Threatened, 1 Pt 3:13-14

Text
“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats” (1 Peter 3:13 – 14, NLT).

Insight
Are you eager to do good yet feel threatened, worried and afraid about what will happen if you do? Are you fearful of a back-lash against you for doing what is right? Do good anyway!
Fear's goal is to immobilize believers. The enemy knows he can't outright stop you from serving God and doing what is right and good. So he uses fear, threats and stirs worry….all designed to get you to stop yourself. And so Peter asks a very practical question: "Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?" The answer is: Almost nobody. Think about it…chances are slim. It is likely just a threatening thought… implanted in your imagination by the enemy. Why… because he is threatened by your good deeds and righteousness. However, on the outside chance you do suffer…do good anyway.
"Even if" is the resolve we need. It is the same resolve our Master had as He faced his sufferings. He embraced the worst case scenario and responded "Yet, not my will but Thine be done." This resolve squelches the enemy's attack of fear. It frees us from the deception of: F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). Don't allow yourself to be paralyzed by the "What if's". And "don't worry or be afraid of their threats" (3:14).
"God will reward you" for doing what is right. You can trust Him. If your heart is stirred with compassion and eager to do good…follow it. And then when others ask why…be ready, not for the likelihood of suffering, but to share about your love and adoration for Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Father, keep me from the fear of harm. I choose trust You in the face of that which worries me and makes me afraid. With Your strength, I will not be paralyzed by F.E.A.R. but will do good anyway. In Jesus name, AMEN.