Faith & Fear
Two feelings that have strong influences in human life are faith (some call peace, hope or love)and fear. During the extremely difficult time in which we are living, faith and fear are definitely two strong feelings.
As a believer, my primary attention is on a faith in God; God is still in act in the world through so many generous people, who may or may not be religious, but who attempts in whatever ways possible to alleviate fear and suffering.
In such occasions, fear is also a natural tendency; fear of
- Death (there may not be a high probability, but this fear exists in a very real way for some).
- how will I manage this situation (this is very real for people who don’t have a regular income).
- how will I manage the food items ( this might be real for many, even with resources, especially in places of extreme confinement).
- and many more reasons, which I may not have written or known
Thus there are these dynamics of fear and faith, in varying degrees in various persons. Probably a Bible passage may be worth looking at.
Jesus Walks on the Water
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Faith and fear are two feelings running through the person of Peter in this incident. Peter listens to Jesus, but not fully. He hears that it is Jesus (it is I), but he probably misses the command to not be afraid.
At these times of calamities, there are innumerable people (doctors, nurses, scientists, volunteers, police officers and many more) who act like that ‘ghost figure in the windy sea’, giving the messages of faith or messages of ‘dont fear’. Can we slowly learn like Peter to recognize comforting Jesus in those people?
Can we become messengers of faith and hope (in whatever ways possible) around us? (May be in and through social media, may be other means. May be sharing the resources with those who don’t have).
