Read 1 John 4:13-21

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).

We’ve all seen those bumper stickers and church signs urging us to “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Well-intentioned? Sure. But often missing the mark? Absolutely. They focus on preserving a commercialized image of “baby Jesus” rather than embracing the full, transformative power of Christ in our lives. The real challenge isn’t just keeping Christ in a holiday—it’s keeping Christ in Christian.

Part 14: Don’t Let Fear Overshadow Faith. In a previous devotion, “THE FORCE WITHIN, part 1: From Darkness to Light,” we explored Luke Skywalker’s journey in the cave on Dagobah, where he confronted the darkness within himself. This pivotal moment in Luke’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of facing our fears and trusting in a higher power.

As we reflect on Luke’s experience, we’re reminded that fear is a universal human emotion. It’s natural to feel afraid when we’re faced with uncertainty or danger. However, when fear overshadows our faith, it can lead us astray. Luke’s journey in the cave illustrates this struggle. Guided by Yoda’s wisdom, Luke was encouraged to confront his fears without relying on his physical strength. This was a test of his faith in the Force, a trust that would ultimately empower him to overcome the darkness he faced.

In the cave, Luke encountered a vision of Darth Vader, symbolizing his deepest fears—fear of losing control, fear of becoming like his father, and fear of succumbing to the Dark Side. When he ultimately beheaded Vader, only to reveal his own face beneath the mask, Luke was forced to confront the potential darkness within himself. This moment was not just a physical confrontation but a symbolic one, highlighting Luke’s inner struggle with fear and the need to trust in the Force.

This journey mirrors our own struggle with fear and faith. In 1 John 4:13-21, we’re reminded that perfect love drives out fear. When we let fear overshadow our faith, we risk losing sight of God’s power and love in our lives. Just as Luke needed to learn to trust in the Force, we must learn to trust in God’s guidance and wisdom. This passage emphasizes the importance of living in love and faith, rather than fear, and how this transforms our relationship with God and others.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT). This verse underscores that our faith should empower us to overcome fear, not be controlled by it. When we face our fears with faith, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of God’s will and a stronger connection with God’s love.

Luke’s journey reminds us that facing our fears is essential to growing in faith. It requires courage to confront what we fear, but it is in these moments that we discover the true strength of our faith. By trusting in God’s power and love, we can overcome fear and find peace, even in the midst of uncertainty.

As we conclude this reflection, let us remember that our faith is not a shield against fear, but a beacon of hope that guides us through it. May we, like Luke, find the courage to confront our deepest fears and trust in God’s wisdom, knowing that His love and power are always with us. In this trust, we can move forward with confidence, not letting fear overshadow our faith, but instead, letting faith illuminate our path forward.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to face it with trust in God.

PRAYER
God, help us to trust Your power and love above our fears. May Your guidance lead us closer to You each day. Amen.

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Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.