FEAR!

ACTS IN 90 DAYS

A reading for Wednesday, June 17, 2020: Acts 9:26-31.

"Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers."

There's no question about it... we live in the days of fear. Fear of the virus. Fear of the police and fear of rioting. Fear of our economic stability crashing down into nothing. We see fear in the eyes of our children and grandchildren who look to us to comfort them in such times.

Fear is a part of life and a part of our faith. In the early church, the disciples were afraid of Saul. They had good reason. It was Saul who had set upon them in hopes of destroying the way of Jesus. But now he is different and wishes to join the disciples. Yet, they are still afraid of him. Fear is powerful.

But Barnabas comforts them by explaining the events of Saul's conversion. He gave them more information about the source of their fears, the good news of what God was doing, and then they were able to find peace. Barnabas offered these early believers the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Today, look for that same comfort of the Holy Spirit. Maybe it will come from a friend or a family member. Perhaps you can read the story of Acts and see what God was doing, making your own connection with these days in which we live. You might even hear the words about "Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." God is still active in these days filled with fear and has promised to never leave us. Thanks be to God!