Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” – Exodus 20:20

God had just given Moses and the Israelites the Ten Command-ments on Mt. Sinai. As the people witnessed God’s presence with thunder, flashes of lightening, a loud trumpet sound and the mountain smoking, they were understandably afraid. They asked Moses to speak to them rather than listen to God because they were fearful that if they actually heard God’s voice they would die.

What circumstances in your life have caused you to cringe in fear? Did you possibly feel too weak to face what was ahead? Did you run the various worst-case scenario endings over and over in your mind? It seems our lives are full of on-going “trust tests”. One moment we feel as if things are relatively under control but then suddenly in the next moment we are faced with a punch-to-the-gut life circumstance as “our plan” has derailed. Our first response is often fear. What should I do? The pressure of trying to fix the problem can seem overwhelming. Or the problem may be totally out of our hands, and that feels even more hopeless.

But then, as Christians, we are reminded to go to the wonderful comfort we have in God’s Word. He speaks to us. He reminds us that His plans are to prosper not harm us. The allowance of the “trust tests” in our life refine and strengthen our faith in Him. God is there for us despite our weaknesses. Thankfully, because He sent his Son to die for us, we don’t have to fear God. His grace, power and goodness in our life is not dependent on us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, May the price You paid for me on the cross remind me that I do not need to be afraid. Knowing that I constantly fall short of Your expectations, You died for me anyway. Thank You for being my strength, my firm foundation, my refuge and my salvation.

Daily Reading: Matthew 1

– Contributed by Carmen Dorman