Tag: fear

Where’s the Courage?

Dr. J.D. Wilkins2 Comments

Many famous people in history have put their own spin on the word “Courage.”

The most quoted spin, in the USA at least, might be from Franklin D. Roosevelt who said,
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”

Mark Twain said,
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”

Plato said,

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”

Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”

Maya Angelou said, “Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

J.R.R. Tolkien said, 

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”

And last, but not least, John Wayne said,

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”

In a world filled with this cancel-culture mentality, hate being spewed from social media posts like Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, and the constant barrage of negativity and fear mongering stories put out by the thousands from the national news media, we have become a nation totally lacking in any moral fiber or courage.

If Plato is right, then we should know better. 

If Martin Luther King Jr. is right, then why aren’t we building dikes to reach the sky to prevent the world’s influence on our minds, attitudes, and actions.

Where’s the courage?

Consider Tolkien’s quote. We are not just weak physically from bodies pumped full of over-processed fast food and who knows what pollutants on the produce we buy at the local supermarket. We are so weak spiritually in this county that I’m amazed we still exist as a nation.

Where is the true Christ-follower today with the courage to stand up and say, “This breaks God’s heart! This breaks my heart!  It is time for change.  It is time to NOT BE AFRAID anymore!”

You’d think I was making all this up.  50 years ago, I would never have thought the world as we know it today would exist.  But it does.  And somebody told us it would become this way, but we didn’t listen.

Maybe we should listen now.

Jesus told his closest followers about the days to come, and those days are here.

In Matthew 24:4-12 He said many people would come in His name and say they were the Messiah, the Savior, to deceive whomever they could.  He said there would be wars and rumors of wars.  He said nation would rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  He said there would be famines, earthquakes and more all over the world… but this was not the end, but only the beginning.

He said the world would hand over Christ-followers to be persecuted and killed.  He said Christ-followers would be hated by all nations, and because of this there would be a great abandonment of people saying they no longer believe, and worse, they would hand over their friends and loved ones to be tortured and killed, because of hate.

He said that lawlessness would increase and multiply, and because of this people all over the planet would turn cold and loveless toward each other.

This is our reality today.

Matthew 24:15-31 is a starkly dramatic image of days to come in our world which are not here yet. And many, many people will not have the spiritual fortitude to endure these times. Read it for yourself and see what’s coming.

So, where’s the courage??

Head knowledge is one thing but knowing the Author of this information is a whole different thing. And here is what I mean.

The common message throughout the Word of God is simple: Do not fear!

This phrase is used 365 times in Scripture… do NOT be AFRAID!

But the command by itself is meaningless unless there is some good reason why we are not supposed to be afraid. Right?  So what is it that allows Christ-followers to not be afraid?

Here it is.  And if you don’t have this underlined in your Bible, and memorized in your brain, then do it now.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (CSB)
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.

There is an clearly defined underlying doctrine of belief in Scripture that is required of every true Christ-follower for the empowering of this mighty promise.

God is in Control. 

God’s Word is absolutely Authoritative for every believer. 

God’s abiding Presence is constant regardless of our circumstances.

There must be more than a cursory acceptance of intellectual understanding that these three statements are true.  They must actually rule over your every thought, attitude, and action.  They should be the filter through which every choice you make is made.  They MUST be so ingrained in your hearts and minds that no other construct of reality makes sense in the world today.

And when they do become all these things, then AND ONLY then, will you be able to be strong and courageous, instead of terrified and afraid of what comes next.

Pick a problem, any problem, happening today.  Covid, Political upheaval in our nation’s capital, Israel on the brink of war. The World on the precipice of WW-3…  none of these events takes God by surprise.

God is on the job.  He is in control, speaking authoritatively through His written Word, and constantly abiding with and in those around the world who believe this is indeed true.

So … where’s the courage?

It’s time for some courage!

Let’s make it more personal…

Where’s your courage?

In the name of Jesus, what will you stand up for in courage, or stand against in courage, that would bring glory to God today?

“What if?” OR “Even if?”

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

“What if?” is a game played in the darkest recesses of your thought processes.  Even though this “game” is not real, it almost always seems real.  For example, “What if I contract the COVID-19 virus and die? What will happen to my family?  What if I’m not ready to die!”

This game is essentially based in the emotion of fear.  Fear that something bad will happen, something that I don’t want to happen, and as a result I will suffer great loss.

On the other hand “Even if?” is a game played in the brightest well-lit areas of your consciousness.  And in fact, unlike the “what if?” game that is not real, the “even if” game is the ultimate reality.  For example, “Even if I contract the COVID-19 VIRUS and die, I am not afraid of death.  I know the ONE who has conquered death,  WHO will lead me through this dark shadow into the light of His presence on the other side (and it isn’t the World Health Organization).  And my family will be fine.  Because He – the LORD JESUS CHRIST – has them too, in the palm of His hand.”

Any given individual in our USA culture today is daily given the opportunity to choose one of these options in response to the “Wuhan pandemic.”  In the news this week there were more than enough stories to continue feeding the fear-frenzy that defines the psychological manifestation in many Americans across our land.  There were also many stories, although you had to look for them, that should at least turn some people’s heads away from all the fear-mongering.

So, let’s flip the script.

Let’s reverse the “what if?” portion of the game.

What if everything you’ve heard so far… number of people tested, number of people identified as having the virus, number of people who have died from ACTUAL complications of the virus (and not some other factor – like gunshot or alcohol poisoning) … what if these numbers have been over-inflated and are completely misleading?  What if the numbers were deliberately massaged this way to increase the “fear factor” so that the American public would be easier to control?  What if our economy was shut down, based on models that said 1-2 million people would die directly from actual effects of the virus.? When that clearly hasn’t happened, has it?  What if the very people who are controlling the models, and manipulating all the data, are also motivated to support ideas like population control and euthanasia of the elderly?

To truly reverse the script we have to respond to these questions with the “even if?” answer.

Even if everything is a lie… could God use the events of a well-strung disaster in our economy and government to bring about GOOD for those who love Him and are called by His name?  Even if there is a group of well-placed, highly powerful individuals who are designing all this modeling to create fear and panic, is GOD totally unaware of their actions and evil purposes and goals?  Even if these ideas of population control and euthanasia of the elderly are being talked about as a potential reality in dark rooms where no-one can see, does the LORD JESUS CHRIST Himself not see and know exactly what is going on?

I know you see what I’m suggesting.  You understand what I’m saying.  Intellectually and cognitively if you are a Christ-follower you know Jesus is in Control, and that He has Sole Authority over all things, and has still promised the POWER of His presence with you individually, in all things.

Seeing it, understanding it, and believing it are one thing.

Living it out… without fear of the “what if?” is something else entirely.

Choose today to leave the fear behind.

Begin each moment with “Even if” and whatever comes after those words – then say, “God is in control,”  – only then will you begin the journey of a fearless life that Jesus calls us to.  It is a life of abundant joy, and peace.  It is a less-confused life, a life of logic and reason.  It is a life where God’s own Spirit brings comfort, and direction for our path, and our choices.

Even if …

 

When you come to a fork in the road…

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

“When you come to the fork in the road, take it” refers to a 1998 quotation appearing in “The Yogi Book”. Berra declared that he employed the phrase while explaining how to reach his house to Joe Garagiola.

In 2009 the biography “Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee” by Allen Barra was published, and it included a wonderfully appealing rationale for Berra’s famous remark. While traveling to Berra’s house one may choose the left fork or the right fork and both are acceptable decisions because both efficiently lead to his house.

Today, I invite you to think of this famous phrase a little differently.  We are traveling down a path that most of us today have never taken.  We are living out an existence in the middle of what globally has been referred to as a “pandemic.”  We have all been affected.  We may at this point, all know someone who has been tested positive for the virus, or perhaps suffered greatly, or died from the virus.  It is real.  It is dangerous. It is still quite unknown.

And that’s the scariest part.  The unknown.

We’re being told we must stay in our homes to mitigate the effects of the virus and not overrun the hospital/medical system in our country.  We’re being told we are to wear masks out in public, and only certain businesses may be open because they are “essential.” Yet, almost every public official when issuing these decrees is not wearing a mask.  They are still receiving a paycheck.  And while the models used to tell us how bad the virus is changes almost daily, the question becomes “how long?”

How long are we going to live under these guidelines (edicts from on high) before we can even attempt something that looks like “normal” life again?  How long are we going to listen to the ones who seem to want only to keep us under their control, tell us what we can or cannot do, under penalty of law?  From a purely spiritual perspective, maybe we should get a grip on three principles of the spiritual warfare side of what’s going on here.

First, it has always been Satan’s desire to destroy humankind. This is just the latest attempt in  his efforts to breed fear, depression, and loss of purpose.  Every day that goes by when people cannot return to normalcy, Satan smiles, laughs, and clutches tighter around our hearts and minds.  The fear sets deeply, the depression paralyzes, and our sense of purpose is so blurred it becomes almost non-existent.  So we have to ask, “Is this really what God wants from me during this time?”

Of course not.

Second, from Scripture we can find dozens of stories from highly celebrated and revered Bible heroes who have gone through similar testing by Satan.  From Adam and Eve, to Abraham and Sarah, Moses, King David, and Elijah, just to name a few… all went through experiences where they had to choose to listen to God or listen to Satan.  So this should encourage you by understanding you are not alone, and not the only one who feels this way today, or has ever felt this way.

What was God’s message?  What has God said to mankind over and over and over, that might give us some perspective and hope today?

Third, God is consistent in His message to us.

Be Strong.
Take courage.
Do not Fear.
I will never leave you or forsake you.

Here are God’s actual words to Joshua:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  – Joshua 1:9 NAS

Our purpose, the reason for our existence, is to bring God glory in all that we do.

Elijah found himself sitting under a bush in the wilderness because he had turned fearful, depressed, and had lost his sense of purpose.  You can hear it in his own voice, when God asked him, “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies,” said Elijah. “The people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I’m the only one left, and now they’re trying to kill me.”  –  1 Kings 19:10 MSG

This looks and feels a lot like fear, depression, and lost sense of purpose to me.  What about you?

In Elijah’s case, God points out that He will (not might, but will) use the prophet once again to appoint two new kings (one for Israel, one for Judah), as well as anoint the man God has chosen to replace Elijah when his work is completed.  Basically, God says, get up and get busy.  Put aside your fear, depression, and loss of purpose, and get back out there and do what I called you to do.

Look folks.  Today, right this minute as you read these words, I believe God is calling us to get back out there and get busy doing what God has called us to do… bring Him glory.

Will we be able to go back to church right away? I doubt it.  But can we make a difference in our world today, in this wacko-crazy Satan-influenced culture and society? Yes!  How will we do it?  What will enable us to get busy once again?

Just remember one thing, then three things.

One Thing:  Jesus is LORD.

Three Things:   Jesus in in Control, has sole authority, and will always be present with us!

So, when you come to the fork in the road today … or tomorrow … or one day soon … you must choose to listen to Satan or God’s Authoritative word… which will you choose?

Will you continue in fear, depression, and lost purpose?

Will you listen to God’s voice, calling you to get up, get busy, cast aside the fear and depression, and find a renewed purpose to bring God glory right where you are?

Your choice. Your’s alone. You choose.

Repost: People Panicking Perpetuates Pandemonium

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

Can you say Pandemic?

Three years ago, May 5, 2017, I wrote an article stimulated by what was then called “The Word of the Day.”  Wordpress was using this title to stimulate bloggers to be creative and write about a word they had chosen for that particular day.  I really enjoyed those times of sometimes silly, sometimes serious articles I wrote.

Fast forward three years when yesterday I noticed someone had read this particular article I’m reposting today.  It’s fascinating that I wrote these words three years ago… since I could have written them just yesterday…

Share with your friends if you like… it goes like this…

 

A panic attack is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) as:

… an abrupt and discrete experience of intense fear or acute discomfort, accompanied by symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and worries about going crazy, losing control or dying.

Did you know that 8-10 percent of the population has panic attacks, or that in 5% it becomes a disorder, occurring without any obvious stimulus, making the attacks even more terrifying?  In these cases it isn’t just a rush of anxiety, like most of us might experience from time to time.  No, these patients describe it as the most frightening event they have ever experienced.  Research has discovered what leads to or causes a person’s first panic attack, as well as some clues about how to avoid an attack in the first place.  The simplified version is that panic attacks often result…

…when our normal “fight or flight” response to imminent threats—including increased heart rate and rapid breathing—is triggered by “false alarms,” situations in which real danger is absent.

The good news for those who suffer this chronic disorder is, first, all panic attacks are triggered by known events, even though the person may not be aware of those events. Knowing this can often reduce the anxiety stemming from a sense of unpredictability.  Second, though it is affirming to learn the attack is caused as a misfire of the fight-or-flight response when there is actually no danger.

pandemonium

In a culture spawning “fake” news, political corruption, excesses and entitlements, it’s little wonder that we all don’t run into the ocean, screaming in a wild panic.  I’m sure that we could learn quite a bit from a shepherd boy, if we only would.  Just because things look dangerous, or complicated, or “glass-half-empty,” (or completely empty), doesn’t mean God sees it this way.  If only we could see the world, ourselves, and our situations through God’s eyes, I believe it would make a huge difference in the way we live daily.  Maybe we wouldn’t become panicked quite so much.

The key to David’s life was his ability to not see things as they are, but to view them as God sees them.  Enter Goliath, a huge 9 ft. tall giant of a man, hardened by war, trained in battle.  He wears armor plated garments, has both spear and sword, and a shield to ward off enemy attacks.  He bellows at the top of his lungs, the wild ravings of the blood-thirsty heathen that he is.  And every time he does so, every man in the camp of Israel… well, they are trembling in a crazed panic.

Along comes David bringing food to his brothers in the army of Israel.  Upon hearing Goliath’s threats and railings, David’s response is not flight, it is fight.  It’s not an imagined danger, it is very real.  It is tangible.  This is death with a face on it.  Yet, David’s instant response to the Israelite men trembling in panic was this:

1 Samuel 17:26
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?”

I can almost hear it in David’s voice.  The overwhelming confidence that God will not stand for His people to be challenged in this way without retribution.  God will not allow for the heathen to cast dispersions and heresies about Him without punishment.  David is clearly not panicked.  (1 Samuel 17)  How did God use David’s confidence to demonstrate His own sovereign control, authority, and covenant presence?  Watch.  After using his trusty slingshot to nail the giant with a stone David gathered from the river…

1 Samuel 17:51
Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.  When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

Now it’s the Philistine army’s turn to be panicked, and well they should.

So, here’s the thing.  That event or circumstance (think Coronavirus) that frightens you most right now, whether cancer, relationship struggles, financial difficulties, or emotional strains to difficult even to talk about… hear me… God is still in control.  The authority of His word still stands.  His covenant presence with you is designed to annihilate the panic that so easily sets in to destroy us.  Here are God’s simple words to avoid becoming panicked:

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world.

True three years ago… still true today.