Faith @ WorkNäide

Why are you afraid?

When you’re afraid, is God trustworthy?

We were sitting on the eleventh floor in the middle of a lunchtime Bible study. Suddenly, the fire alarm went off. It was a loud, annoying, persistent beeping. After a few minutes, a voice came over the speaker: “An alarm condition exists elsewhere in the complex that is being investigated.”

The beeps continued. We wondered if we were in danger. Could we trust the person investigating to warn us in time if we had to evacuate?

Fear is something like a fire alarm. You hear a rumor and wonder if you are in danger. Or maybe you work for somebody who believes fear is the best way to motivate employees to conform to the corporate expectations, so you are constantly looking over your shoulder, wondering if your performance is acceptable.

The Bible teaches us that you don’t have to fear people—for they cannot harm you. The Lord is your refuge. No matter what happens to you and regardless of your circumstances, nothing can separate you from God’s love. His love and acceptance are not dependent on your successes or failures. God’s love for you has not changed and will not change. When you rest in the knowledge that your faith is secure, you have the peace, strength, and courage to live out your convictions. Resting on the truth that God keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments (Deut. 7:9), you can go about your work with a smile on your face and peace in your heart.

God chose you because he loves you. He loves you because he loves you. And that’s that!

What courageous decision do you need to make, whom do you need to speak to, what do you need to stop doing, or what next step must you take to stand firm in Christ’s love in your place of work?

Prayer

Almighty God, you see my troubles, hardships, persecutions, famines, dangers, and nakedness. Yet I thank you that through the death and resurrection of your Son, I am more than a conqueror. Fill me with your peace and joy at work. Amen.