This past month, I was in the country of Mexico. A border town. With a missions team. If you have been getting your news from the well-educated anchors and reporters on TV, you would surmise that violence is sweeping that nation. I was in Mexicali, Mexico, and during the week I was there, I literally did not see one police officer, Federal official, or anyone from the Mexican Armed Forces. Customs agents and border patrol officers were at the border crossings, but that was to be expected. I am not naïve enough to think there is no criminal activity in this region, but according to the news media, and U.S. government websites, Mexico is a danger zone.
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). One of the most repeated phrases (or variation of the phrase) in the Bible is “fear not.” Many people in this world attempt to appear tough on the exterior, but inside, they are fearful. However, if we allow fear to overcome us, we will never do anything for God. Fear brings paralysis. Faith brings liberty.
Jesus said in Mark 2:17, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” When I hear bad news happening in a country, my first reaction is, “What can I do about this?” It’s not people who have their pick of a hundred churches in town, and access to government assistance programs that need the most help — it’s those who have not heard the Gospel, or those who live in anti-Christian persecution, under governments that seek to destroy them, and in environments that deprive them of the basic necessities of life. God has not given you the spirit of fear. He has given you power. He has given you love. He has given you a sound mind. It’s time to do something with it.
