Freedom #4—Fearless Freedom

What then shall we say to these truths of God’s sovereign work? We say, if God is for us, who is against us? Since he did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31–32

The ability to do what we want because we have a particular skill or knowledge is called “proficient freedom.” Such is fearlessness. It grows from knowing and understanding the powerful pervasiveness of God’s grace. It rests in knowing how fully and effectively and joyously he has worked to reconcile us to himself through Christ. It rests in knowing that God will freely continue to work to maintain our connection to him, no matter what kind of obstacles to our joy we encounter. We can fearlessly face oppression, hardship, deprivation, or danger. We can trust God to sustain us when we encounter anyone or anything that might compromise our joy in him, even death. For, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God righteously upheld the glory of his goodness. So, God’s grace frees us from fear because he is free. He is free of the constraints of justice so he can do us good simply for the joy of doing so. Nothing prevents him from accomplishing his purpose to display the fullness of his glory by blessing us. Therefore we are released from fearing anything that appears to get in the way of his accomplishing this purpose. If the God acts in grace for us, no one can effectively act against us.

Gracious God, keep me from judging my circumstances by feeble sense. I want to trust you for your grace. I know that behind your frowning providence, you hide a smiling face.