An Arab chief tells the story of a spy captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and "the big, black door." The moment for execution drew near, and guards brought the spy to the Persian general, "What will it be," asked the general, "the firing squad or the big, black door?" The spy hesitated for a long time. Finally he chose the firing squad. A few minutes later, hearing the shots ring out confirming the spy's execution, the general turned to his aide and said, “They always prefer the known to the unknown. People fear what they don't know. Yet, we gave him a choice." "What lies beyond the big door?" asked the aide. "Freedom," replied the general. "I've known only a few brave enough to take that door."²

Even though the visible and tangible choice might fill us with dread, we allow that fear to cloud our mind, and possibly our judgement, making the unknown seem an even more fearful option. Circumstances sometimes get so big that God becomes an unknown to us. We prefer to struggle through in our own strength than to rely on the fact that God already knows what lies behind the scary, black door and will see us through each step of the way. Instead, we make hasty decisions and give into panic because trusting God would be out of our control. But, God’s Word is filled with hope and the promise that surpasses all fear. God will be with us through our fear and will deliver us from them. I don’t know what fear you may be facing today, but know that fear isn’t from God. When you feel like all hope is lost, call out to Jesus and you will find that He has already answered â€" on the cross, when His death trampled all fear and rejection and hopelessness. He can fill you with peace and the power of His Spirit that drives all fear away… All you have to do is call out to Him! He’s answering.

Dear Lord, when the fear of the unknown consumes me, help me to draw strength from your Almighty hand. Thank you for walking with me through it all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Psalm 34:4 (NIV).

2.    Author Unknown.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.