What would you do if during a leisurely stroll down the street, you are suddenly
accosted by the bare teeth and vicious growls of two Dobermans? My first
reaction would be to run away as fast as I could!
Or would it?
It was a beautiful Spring day in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had been in a
training seminar all day and was longing for some fresh air. As soon as we were
dismissed from class, I headed out for a leisurely stroll. None of my classmates
wanted to join me. They preferred to satisfy the growling sensations in their
stomachs and were all headed for the cafeteria!
I was thoroughly enjoying the scenery. What a pleasant change from the
stuffiness of the classroom! First I admired the meticulous lawns of a nearby
golf club, along with its majestic trees, its picturesque fountain, and its
manicured lakes. Then I decided to walk to the top of one of the surrounding
hills, where I anticipated being able to enjoy a panoramic view of the
surrounding area. As I was climbing the street that led to my destination
however, I was stopped in my tracks by the sound of running feet (or should I
say, "running paws"). Two vicious-looking black Dobermans appeared out of
nowhere, their teeth bare as cruel growls escape from their throats. It seemed
to me that these dogs were only made up of teeth, and those teeth soon had me
surrounded: one set in my face, the other behind me! Help!!!!
Because I seriously doubted that these two attackers had any benevolent
intentions on my behalf, I quickly searched the horizon for any source of
rescue. To my dismay however, there were no knights in shining armour in the
immediate surroundings. In fact, there weren't even any climbable trees! I was
left completely to my own devices! There was nothing for me to do but to run!
Fast!
Just as I was on the verge of beginning my sprinting career however, I heard a
still, small voice telling me to not be afraid. I wondered where that voice came
from. I was not a born-again Christian at that time, and was not familiar with
God's voice.
Again the voice appeared within me, strongly urging me not to run.
But I wanted to run! My only recourse was to get away from this place as quickly
as possible!
The voice continued to insist: "Stay calm! Everything is under control!"
But as I looked down at the growling, monstrous teeth surrounding me, I wasn't
so sure! "How can I stay calm?" Screamed my thoughts. "I have two Godzillas
surrounding me, and they are looking for a snack!"
The voice continued to insist that I stay calm, and I was suddenly overwhelmed
with the feeling that I should look them in the eye, hold out my hands in front
of me, and calmly say, "It's okay! I'm not a threat to you!"
I was unsure what to do. My instinct was to run, but this calm, appeasing voice
suggested doing something that was against my own nature. I decided to follow
the advice from the voice. After all, I was pretty sure those dogs could run
faster than I could anyway! Amazingly, I left the hill unharmed. After a couple
of minutes of backing away from the dogs, they looked the other way and ran on
to some other hapless victim: A poor rabbit!
I could have been dog food that day, but thanks to that deep inner voice that I
now know personally as God's Holy Spirit, I was spared the horrible experience.
Sadly enough, this incident didn't bring me any closer to God. I was too filled
with ambition, selfishness and self-destructive habits. However Jesus did not
give up on me and continued to patiently reach out to me.
As I read Matthew 28, I am comforted to notice that the first words the angel
spoke to the women coming to Jesus' tomb were this: "The angel said to the
women, 'Do not be afraid.'" (Matt 28:5 NIV)
These same words were the first words pronounced by Jesus after His
resurrection: "Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid.'" (Matt 28:10 NIV)
And then it hit me. Since Jesus' triumphant resurrection, we have absolutely NO
reason to be afraid!
Why not?
"Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me.'" (Matt 28:18 NIV) We have no need for fear because Jesus is now
the supreme ruler. The one who conquered death lives in us and gives us victory!
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:20 NIV);
and "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be
to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15:56-57
NIV)
Gnarling vicious teeth? Nothing to be afraid of! Listen to God's quite voice and
follow His advice. He will bring you through the most tempestuous situations.
"Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Ps 91:3-4 NIV)
Do I hear the rushing of paws?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.