I sat in a Bible study lecture in October 2010, taking notes furiously as our teacher unpacked Isaiah 7. When you’re looking for inspirational, life-changing encouragement in God’s Word, Isaiah probably isn’t the first place you turn.
But that week, as I sat in the pew with a lump in my breast and a biopsy on the calendar, this verse was exactly what I needed to hear:
“And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah.’” (Isaiah 7:4)
When God sent Isaiah to talk to King Ahaz, the king had a valid reason to be afraid. He had just learned that two threatening armies had a powerful new ally who could help their attack succeed. And yet, the Lord told Ahaz not to fear these powerful enemies.
The notes I took that evening became a source of hope and peace for me when the biopsy results came back. I had a rare and aggressive cancer called angiosarcoma. The prognosis was not good, and I faced a lengthy battle for my life.
I’ll be honest—I was afraid. Cancer is terrifying. But on the cross, Jesus dealt a death blow to my biggest reason to fear: the separation from God my sin deserves. My suffering Savior eliminated the greatest threat against me.
Because of His sacrifice for my salvation, I have confidence in God’s promises, even in times of suffering. I can face uncertainty with hope and joy, knowing my faithful Heavenly Father is with me. Because I belong to Christ, my future with Him is secure, and I truly have no reason to fear.
This truth doesn’t eliminate all feelings of fear in my life, and I still struggle with anxiety sometimes. Maybe it’s a struggle for you right now, too. But when we’re afraid, we can remind ourselves of this reality. We stare down those frightening circumstances and know it’s possible to stay calm and not let our hearts become faint—because of Christ, we have nothing to fear.
No matter what you face this week, those who belong to Christ have no reason to fear.
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Thank you for sharing. I’m in the midst of a breast cancer battle and needed to read your post about no fear. I’m mostly afraid for my family, but I know God had a perfect plan.
Michelle, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I can relate – my fears were for my family, too. I’m thankful we have a faithful Father to run to and depend on when we’re afraid! I’m praying for you right now.