Some folks so hate the feeling of fear that they’ll do anything to keep it away. They wall themselves off, whether physically or emotionally. They avoid any situation or opportunity that refuses to guarantee their safety. They run from all perceived dangers. But in fleeing fear, they became its prisoners. True security comes not in fleeing fear, but in facing it and tearing free of its terrible grip. And how can we best do that? The best way I know of is to place ourselves in the protective hands of God, our heavenly Father. As the psalmist prayed, “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.”

We have a good friend whose grandson was fighting in a dangerous war zone. Our friend admitted to me how afraid he was. I told him, “That’s understandable.” But I also wanted to encourage my friend with the words of an old British preacher named George Whitefield. He made several mission trips to the American colonies and received many death threats. Friends asked, “Aren’t you afraid you might be killed?” Whitefield replied, “I am immortal ‘til my hour has come.”

That’s true of every Christian. We cannot be killed or die until the Lord says, “It’s time” — and then no one can stop us from leaving for heaven. We are immortal until our hour has come. What a comforting reality! So, face your fears by knowing God the Father is your refuge, and show your world what it means to trust in Christ.                   

This is Luis Palau.