Fearless in the Face of Terror

I was alerted, by a FB post yesterday 4/15/13, that there had been an explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  It has since been confirmed that it was intentional, and not an accident.  More details will be coming to the surface, as the hours pass, but one thing is for sure, someone or some organization wanted to make a statement.  How sad.  There are so many ways to deliver a message in these enlightened times.  We can call, text, tweet, email, or Face Book to name a few, none of which involve blowing people and property up. So why then do some feel compelled to grab attention in this heinous way?

 Terrorism is nothing new.  Jeremiah, in 6:25,  had this to say, “Do not go out into the field And do not walk on the road, For the enemy has a sword, Terror is on every side.”  People running that race today had no idea what was awaiting them, and quite honestly, neither do we, as followers of Christ, on a daily basis.  Does that mean we must  hole up in our basements, quivering in fear?  I hope not. However, the enemy would love that.  Being able to instill fear always gives our foe the upper hand. While we as Christians shouldn’t be foolishly entering into spiritual danger zones, we must constantly be aware, and prepared for the possibility of  them manifesting. Every runner, in that elite race, had trained diligently for weeks in an effort to be in the best shape possible.  I‘m sure they had concerns about fatigue, shin splints and blisters, but I‘ll bet fear wasn‘t on their list, and yet many had to stop, failing to cross the finish line!

God is raising us all up to be ready; as fearless champions, always prepared and focusing on the finish line, despite the setbacks, and terrors that will appear.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7. So, be of good faith, and keep on running the good race! However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24.