“I, I am He that comforts you; who are you that you are afraid…” (Isaiah 51:12)
I wonder how many of us stand at the dawn of the new year and feel more apprehension than excitement. Jesus is faithful to meet us here but without His help, fear can be enormously disabling in our walk with God. There is, of course, a healthy fear or reverence of God – but there is also a fear of inadequacy, a fear of failure, or a fear of disappointing people. Surprisingly, this kind of fear has much more to do with pride. Isaiah records the Lord’s promise, “I, I am He that comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass?” (Isaiah 51:12).
It is curious that the Lord would say, “Who are you that you are afraid?” But the truth is that God knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He sees clearly that my fear is so often a manifestation of my pride. The Lord very emphatically says, “I, I am He that comforts you!” (Isaiah 51:12). And yet fear barges in and tries to take over God’s role of protector and guide and comforter. It’s as if fear climbs up on God’s throne and presumes to say, “Don’t do that; You could get hurt! You’ll be humiliated.”
Fear presumes to set its wisdom above the wisdom of God.
As we step into a new decade of mission, who are we really trusting? Is our faith founded upon our emotions or all that feels safe, comfortable, “doable” in our own strength, or are we looking to the promises of God, which of course are so much bigger? As a Diocese – a family of churches united by His Word, Spirit, Sacrament, and Mission – we are called to serve Jesus in the re-evangelization of New England. This is a task that is quite beyond us to accomplish. And yet together, upon our knees, in complete dependence upon God’s wisdom, provision, leading and strength we discover the Spirit-led posture of heart and action against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Here, the seemingly impossible is made possible in God. The poet, Minnie Haskins, puts it well, “I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,” Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.”
May the Lord Jesus make His face to shine upon you, the Lord fill you with a true and lasting hope and a greater joy than the world can give, the Lord make you and those you love to sleep in peace and dwell in safety. And the blessing of the Father’s protection, guidance, faith, wisdom, and love be with us, as we begin this new decade, held together in His Spirit in the great adventure of the increase of His Kingdom across New England and beyond. Amen.
In His great love,
+ Andrew
As we enter a new year facing a war with Iran and other horrors in our world, your words are comfort and inspiring. I thank you for that.The thought of being part of re-evangelization of New England is so awesome I do not have words. What and how I will wait on the Holy Spirit to guide us all…….As I keep Jesus in my heart, on my mind and in my conversation, I will be constantly looking for opportunities to share the gospel with all.
Praise God, that God has led you to us. I will “go out into the darkness and put my hand into the hand of God” and yours as we begin a new year with your leadership, guidance, faith and wisdom. I know for sure we can transform New England and the world.
In His Name
YES!
I am curious where that Minnie Haskins comes from….
Thank you Lord for your perfect love that casts out all fear! Thank you for offering us and may we receive & develop faith to believe how true that is!