You Don't Have to Fear

​Rebels in Liberia killed Momo Larmana’s fiancé Rosetta in 1990.  As if losing his true love was not enough, his father and sister were also murdered.  Were it not for U.S. soldiers he and the rest of his siblings would probably have met the same fate.  Can you imagine the turmoil and pain that flowed through his veins?  Fortunately, in 2004 Momo was able to move to America as a refugee. Three years later he enlisted in the Army and began pursuing a degree in business.   In 2008, on the day he was awarded citizenship his home was robbed!

It is not uncommon for people victimized by criminals or thugs to pull into a shell and become exceedingly fearful.  Frozen by worry, victims have not just a hard time trusting others they find ample reasons to seek security at the expense of ministry.  Momo did not let a home invasion ruin his life. Truthfully, he viewed it as a wake-up call.   Spared from death in Liberia, he promised God that he would go into ministry. Instead of obeying God’s call he had become sidetracked with making money and bettering his economic status. 
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Out of obedience, Momo left his pursuit of an MBA to become an officer and chaplain in the military.   He refused to let fear steer his soul.  He shared with me that his name means “Amen” or “let it be so”—a great reminder to trust in God’s sovereignty.  His brown eyes and calm speech belie maturity and his unit is fortunate to have him. 
 
Meditation
Isaiah 41:10—Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
 
Isaiah 41:10 is a verse that every Christian ought to commit to memory.  It is a promise from God that all who follow Jesus have a right to claim.   Dread has no place in the heart of the one who believes God is present.  What hold does danger or hardship have over the one God strengthens?  He does not just stay with us, He preserves us with an incorruptible power.  You and I, like Momo, don’t have to fear.  Live life to the fullest, empowered by God.  
 
Inspiration
Truth fears no trial.—Proverb
 
©2015 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)