Fear (Philippians 1:12-30)

I’d like to begin by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. The tremendous loss of life in a single community is difficult to imagine. National coverage of the storms has documented well the physical toll as images and video portraying the carnage are constant reminders of the awesome power of nature. The measure of casualties in a disaster of this magnitude cannot be measured in human life and property alone.

As the storm season continues, we are purchasing weather radios, changing flashlight batteries and preparing basements. Some will buy items needed in Missouri or Alabama, primarily as a kind act to help others, while subconsciously thinking that it might ward off the possibility of a tornado affecting their family. Sounds preposterous, but living under this superstition is better for most than living in fear.

Fear.  It’s why we buckle our seatbelts, lock our doors and contribute to our 401K. The reason we slow down at the familiar speed trap, set our security systems and hesitate to give out our social security number. We do everything we can to try to insulate ourselves from every type of storm. We shield ourselves physically, financially and psychologically. All in the name of safety.

Chances are you won’t die in a tornado; you are more likely to be executed for a capital crime. In fact, do you want to know the greatest threat to your life? Most of you are shaking your head now. You’re thinking, “Oh great, one more thing to fret about.” Not to make light of recent events or call our precautionary measures foolish, but the greatest threat to your life is fear. I am not talking about the length of your life, but the quality.

You know life. Wake up; eat. Go to work; eat. Work more, come home; eat. Entertain yourself; eat. Go to bed. Wake up . . . . It's a pattern within a pattern. School - College - Career - Marriage - Kids - Retirement. . . . The safe life, life without risk, the boring life. Some variations, but for the most part we are contained, reduced, unleashed. Why so bland? Fear paralyzes us into this rut. 

The truth? Safety is a myth While the chances of dying in a tornado are slim (you are more likely to be executed for a capital crime), eventually we all die. One in every one person. Every day is a gamble, and the longer we live the worse the odds become. Even in this we draw up wills and carry life insurance.  

We pray for God to protect us. That is not what his closest followers prayed. For them suffering was confirmation that they were making a difference. Is it wrong to be afraid? To want to feel safe? To care about how others see us? These are things I struggle with daily. For me it is the daily battle. It stands between the life I have and the life I was meant to have, created to have.


Pray for the people of Joplin. Pray the storms that took their family, friends and town doesn't take their spirit.