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When Pastor Keith was teaching the kids on the steps leading to the platform, he asked them what God’s greatest commandment is. I whispered to my friend sitting next to me, “Do not fear.”

In that moment, I knew the answer. But when the lightning is striking, I tend to forget.

Pastor Joe’s Sermon Preview:
What do you do when you’re trusting God, but still feel like evil is chasing you?
#Chased #LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews

Last week, after I sent him my reflection, I told him about a saying I hear a lot in recovery: “Get in the middle of the boat.” His sermon reminded me of that. When the thunder rolls and the waves rise, move to the center where Jesus is.

Matthew 8:26:
“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

I don’t dismiss my fear anymore. I respect it. I run in fear from a lot of things. But God has given me so many Jonathans, and they keep showing up.

They call and pray.
They hug and text.
They stand on the platform in song.
They read the Scripture, teach the theology, and send us home with a message on how to apply it to our lives.

I’m going to keep running.
But I will run without panic.
Run without fear.
Run with the strength God has given me.
Jesus is at the finish line with His arms open wide.

Life… lifes.
People will trip me up.
Jobs may end.
Relationships end, whether it’s family, a partner, or a friend.
Disease will come.

Just because I'm a follower of Jesus and I attend church every week, I'm not exempt from evil. I live in an imperfect world, and I will be chased by strong evils. But God is so much stronger. He says, “Don’t be afraid.” I learned today it's okay to run, but run to Him.

Evil wants me, but God wants me more.
Evil is strong, but God is stronger.
I will not let evil win.

Ephesians 1:11 says, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”

Running is the strategy . I will keep running, but I will run from fear with grace, dignity, and strength. I will break away from the strongholds of people who are not good for me. I will run from fears, depression, and anxiety. And when my legs get weak, He will send me a Jonathan.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.
Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander,
And