Fear No Fear

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26, MEV). Jesus loves us enough that He hugs us when we don’t understand. He doesn’t abandon us. He doesn’t roll His eyes. He doesn’t slam His hand down on the table and berate us for being stupid. He loves us. He laughs with us. He takes JOY from us. He hugs us. And He stays with us as we work on our understanding (Romans 12:2). He knows who He is. He is aware of the gap between us that cannot be properly crossed. That’s why He makes Himself available to us. He gives us access to His mind through Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:16). He encourages us not to stop at human reasoning and to take the leap into trusting Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jesus often had the opportunity to be frustrated with His disciples when they didn’t get it. When we read His statements, we can easily read in frustration and almost anger at what they are saying to Him (John 14:9). But we can just as easily read in humour. We can see Him saying it with a smile. Shaking His head and reaching over to hug someone. Telling them that it’s alright and going through it again. And again, if necessary. All with the same patience. The same kindness. God isn’t seeking to see us struggle. He wants us to succeed. He’s hidden in plain sight so that we can find Him. He tells us things so that we can take hope from them. So that we can be prepared. So that we will listen to Him. He loves us too much to leave us lost in instructions. Yes, it means WE have to pay attention. Yes, it means WE have to seek Him. Yes, it means WE have to apply what we learn. But we’re not doing it alone. We’re not being tested in the sense of a pass/fail exam. All our tests are so that we can prove to ourselves that God can be trusted. So that we’ll take the next step and be ready to handle it. God is a forward moving God. He wants us to be forward moving too. With Him. Hand in hand. Together.