No Fear

Article 38 of 33 from the Ponder This - 1999 series

March 1999 - Let's suppose that one day as you are walking down the street, you see a huge man coming toward you. Let's suppose he's really big - at least 42 feet tall. Let's say he weighs in at about 1500 pounds, all muscle. And he's bearing down on you. As you consider the situation, only one question comes into your mind: Do I know this man? If you don't, it's time to start running in the opposite direction. But if you know him, you wait till he comes up to you, you smile, he smiles and greets you, and together you walk side by side down the street. If you know that man, youre going to stay close by his side and fear nothing at all.

That's why Psalm 23:4 says, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me." If God is walking by your side, you have nothing to fear.

The omnipotence of God is thus a doctrine of wonderful comfort to the believer. The all-powerful God is with me. He exercises his power on my behalf. Whenever I need him, and even when I think I don't, he is there. He never fails. All his plans for me will come to pass. I can trust him completely.

I Corinthians 1:18 tells us that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to the world, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. To the world the cross was a terrible waste, a tragedy, an enormous mistake. But to those who believe, it demonstrates the power of God.

Think about that for a moment. In the very place where God seemed to be defeated, there we see God's power. Is the all-powerful God good and does he care for us? Look to the bloody cross and judge for yourself.

He who had all power gave it up and became weak like us. He knows what it is to die young and be cut off in the midst of life. When we come to the cross, we come weak, confused, broken, perplexed, bruised, anxious and frustrated. And there at the cross, in that place where the world sees weakness, there we find the power of God. We come helpless to the God who is our help and weak to the God who is our strength.

If God were not omnipotent, Jesus would still be dead. But if God can raise the dead, he can do anything. Let that thought encourage you this week as you face the impossibilities of life. Just remember, youre not alone, for Almighty God walks by your side.