Do not be afraid

Kia ora whānau,

It is a good time to be alive. I know that there is a new virus that is spreading around the world, the climate is changing, and there are wars and rumours of war, but it is still a good time to be alive. It is also a fantastic time to be unafraid. We are called and equipped to be people of faith, hope, and love in a world that is often fearful, hopeless, and self-absorbed. A deep confidence in the goodness and presence of God allows us to be unafraid. We live in a world that has danger. It always has. It has taken on many forms throughout history and it is always unsettling. And yet Jesus sends us into that world to live with joy (and wisdom) and to bring good news to those who desperately need it. I take great comfort that Scripture was written quite often to his people who were in the midst of very difficult circumstance. They were oppressed, enslaved, under attack and on the run. Yet he says, “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” He is with us. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus.

Mark