When God Says DO NOT BE AFRAID

#Voices of CCLB - Judy Kim

The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor  with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus.” - Luke 1:31

When the angel of the Lord came to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to the son of God, he said, “Don’t be afraid, you have found favor in God.”

When I gave birth to my daughter 11 years ago, I was afraid. I had so much fear as I left the hospital with this small human who was entrusted to me. I wondered what gave the hospital staff confidence that I could keep this human alive and let me take her home? I wondered, what if the world came to an end and there was no more baby formula, how would I feed her? (I was watching a lot of The Walking Dead at the time). I prayed to God, please keep my baby alive. 

The apocalypse did not happen. God was merciful and faithful, and my daughter is now 11 years old. Her name is Abigail, which means Father’s Joy, and she is a joy to her heavenly father.

When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, Jesus said to him, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus told him to come, and Peter walked on water. God’s angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid,” and she gave birth to the son of God.

What is something you were afraid of that turned into a testimony of God’s mercy and faithfulness? What attributes or promises of God can you hold on to when you feel afraid?