September 22, 2005

 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

--Psalm 23:4

 

Black Bart was a professional in his business—being a thief. His name alone struck fear in people as he terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line again and again. From San Francisco to New York, his name became synonymous with the danger of the frontier. From 1875 to 1883, he robbed 29 different stagecoach crews. And he did it all without firing a single shot or taking hostages.

 

No victim of his ever saw his face because it was hidden by a hood. Because of his reputation, he was never even trailed by a sheriff. Black Bart used fear to cripple his victims. His disturbing presence alone was enough to paralyze the toughest stagecoach guard. This same tactic is used by Satan to overwhelm people today. They wind of suffering from fear of the unknown, tomorrow, disease, disaster, and so on.

 

The fact is…bad things do happen and we do live in a world filled with deep, dark valleys. And in this age of anxiety, we hear more and more of panic attacks and episodes of fear that absolutely demoralize and defeat people. But as believers, you and I must realize that Satan only uses fear to keep us discouraged and in despair.

 

God loves you so much that He allows tragedy and trouble to enter your life to draw you closer to Him. First Peter 5:10 says, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

 

If you suffer from fear of what’s next in your life, then you can rest assured that there is freedom from it. Consider the fact that you and I have a Shepherd that will lead us through the deepest, darkest, fear-filled valleys. Ask God to carry you through times of fear and calm your spirit with His peace.

 

SOMETIMES THE LORD CALMS THE STORM AND OTHER TIMES HE LETS THE STORM RAGE AND CALMS HIS CHILD.