User Menu Triggers

Fear
By Philipp Rüsch
Europe,
Global,
NW Europe
Jesus knows we have fears, and he is aware of the reality of troubles and worries in our lives (John 16.33). He never belittles our fears and actually takes them quite seriously. But he also knows how fears can limit our faith, confine our actions, cause our souls to wither and lead to irrational decisions.
Fear is helpful to some extent. Fearing danger is for our own sake and protection. If we wouldn't fear anything, I would be worried about our general state and emotional balance. Healthy concerns help us to protect ourselves and prepare for unwanted circumstances. What I see today happening, however, is how uncertainty widely leads to fear, anxiety and irrational behavior.
I for one am concerned about my parents’ health in this coronavirus situation. They are older and have some preconditions, so the potential risk is not to be taken lightly. I think this concern is legit. But we need to be careful about the moment when concerns turn to fear.
Because fear can paralyze you. It limits your thinking capacity for long-term good decisions, and you just want to run and flee, which in many situations might not be the best option. Fear and anxiety also have many more negative effects on your body and brain; our immune system and the way we think is directly affected by this form of stress. I believe that is why we read so many times in the Bible: “fear not” (apparently 365 times, but I didn’t confirm this). If fear wouldn’t be so dangerous, would we read these many encouragements that speaks directly against it?!
My personal guiding verse through this current crisis is Daniel 10:19 (MSG): “‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’” It is part of God's big love to invite us not to fear but to trust him. I think we read this so many times in the Bible because Jesus knows it is not a one-time act to cast our fears on him but something we regularly need to do. We need to make this a habit in our lives.
When we see paralyzing fear creeping up again, we need to cast it to Jesus. Again and again. Habits are hugely important in life in general and especially in our current situation. Our brain is a wonderful tool and it remembers how we have dealt and acted before. Thus, routines and habits will get easier time after time. I believe this is true for casting our fears to Jesus. Do it regularly. Daily.
The wonderful thing about giving our fears away is that we get something in return: Peace. Looking back at my life, I have experienced the reality of God the most in situations when he exchanged my fear with his peace. He loves doing that. And I can testify there are no fears bigger than God's peace. God's wonderful peace is all-encompassing.
Fear is helpful to some extent. Fearing danger is for our own sake and protection. If we wouldn't fear anything, I would be worried about our general state and emotional balance. Healthy concerns help us to protect ourselves and prepare for unwanted circumstances. What I see today happening, however, is how uncertainty widely leads to fear, anxiety and irrational behavior.
I for one am concerned about my parents’ health in this coronavirus situation. They are older and have some preconditions, so the potential risk is not to be taken lightly. I think this concern is legit. But we need to be careful about the moment when concerns turn to fear.
Because fear can paralyze you. It limits your thinking capacity for long-term good decisions, and you just want to run and flee, which in many situations might not be the best option. Fear and anxiety also have many more negative effects on your body and brain; our immune system and the way we think is directly affected by this form of stress. I believe that is why we read so many times in the Bible: “fear not” (apparently 365 times, but I didn’t confirm this). If fear wouldn’t be so dangerous, would we read these many encouragements that speaks directly against it?!
My personal guiding verse through this current crisis is Daniel 10:19 (MSG): “‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’” It is part of God's big love to invite us not to fear but to trust him. I think we read this so many times in the Bible because Jesus knows it is not a one-time act to cast our fears on him but something we regularly need to do. We need to make this a habit in our lives.
When we see paralyzing fear creeping up again, we need to cast it to Jesus. Again and again. Habits are hugely important in life in general and especially in our current situation. Our brain is a wonderful tool and it remembers how we have dealt and acted before. Thus, routines and habits will get easier time after time. I believe this is true for casting our fears to Jesus. Do it regularly. Daily.
The wonderful thing about giving our fears away is that we get something in return: Peace. Looking back at my life, I have experienced the reality of God the most in situations when he exchanged my fear with his peace. He loves doing that. And I can testify there are no fears bigger than God's peace. God's wonderful peace is all-encompassing.
Philipp Rüsch
Philipp Rüsch lives in Switzerland and leads TWR Europe & CAMENA’s HR team as well as MemberCareMedia.com. Setting healthy habits for a resilient life is one of his passions.
Europe,
Global,
NW Europe
When disasters erupt – whether natural or man-made – life is turned upside down. But even in the toughest of times, the sacred...
Europe,
Featured,
Russia,
Ukraine
The Ukrainian people continue to face difficult circumstances in light of the tragic events taking place in their country. Many...
Belarus,
Russia,
Ukraine,
Europe,
Europe - Central & East,
RFTW
The small republics of southern Russia are very distinct in their cultural identities. In one republic alone, about the size of...
Asia - Central,
Europe - Central & East,
Europe,
Russia
People worldwide are online engaging with all kinds of video content. That's why church planters are requesting videos they can...
Global,
MIF,
TWR MOTION
The Way of Righteousness is a radio program that is expanding rapidly around the TWR world because of its proven ability to...
Featured,
Global,
MIF
During the global pandemic, people have begun reading the Bible and searching for God as never before, and TWR has stepped up...
Global,
MIF
TWR Women of Hope brings hope in Jesus to women around the world and across generations. We seek to educate, encourage, and...
Global,
MIF,
TWR Women of Hope
A trafficked or sexually exploited woman is often hidden in plain sight. A different story can become her reality, but who will...
Europe - Northwest,
Global,
RFTW,
TWR Women of Hope
All around the world, women in countless countries are suffering in ways that create unique hardships for them.
Global,
TWR Women of Hope
Dr. Luke is an evangelistic health and hygiene program written by a longtime missionary doctor who loves to bring a biblical...
Global,
MIF
“God is acting, and my life is being transformed, and he will transform my marriage as well," said a man in Latin America as he...
TWR360 is an online platform and digital app that people can use to discover and grow in their understanding of the Bible.
Featured,
Global,
MIF,
RFTW,
TWR360
Do you have a passion for reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you desire to see every tribe, tongue, and...
Africa,
Americas,
Asia,
Europe,
Global,
Middle East,
Internship (2-3 mo.),
Long-term (1+ years),
Short-term (3-12 mo.),
Missionary,
Volunteer
Use your knowledge about the people of Afghanistan to bring the good news to this hard-pressed people group!
Administrative,
Project Management,
Americas,
Europe,
Global,
Middle East,
Featured,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Assists the team in creating content for our church planting partners in the form of quality, custom, gospel-centered videos...
A-V Production,
Americas,
Europe,
Global,
Americas - North,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary
Assist the team in completing projects more quickly as well as creating more content for our church planting partners.
A-V Production,
Americas,
Europe,
Global,
Americas - North,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Are you a social media marketing person? Let God use those gifts to bring his good news to many!
Cyprus,
Europe,
Global,
Long-term (1+ years),
Marketing,
Part Time
Join our audio production team to record, edit, and produce gospel spots, features, promotions, and programs for global...
A-V Production,
Africa,
Americas,
Europe,
Global,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Short-term (3-12 mo.),
Missionary
Use your writing talent to make a difference for Christ around the world!
Africa,
Americas,
Asia,
Europe,
Global,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Short-term (3-12 mo.),
Marketing,
Missionary
Use your voicing skills for the Kingdom of God!
A-V Production,
Africa,
Americas,
Asia,
Europe,
Global,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Short-term (3-12 mo.),
Missionary
Work closely with area Ministry Directors and Global Content Leaders to ensure that the most engaging content is created and...
A-V Production,
Administrative,
Leadership,
Asia,
Europe,
Global,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary
Do you have a passion for reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you desire to see every tribe, tongue, and...
Africa,
Americas,
Asia,
Europe,
Global,
Middle East,
Internship (2-3 mo.),
Long-term (1+ years),
Short-term (3-12 mo.),
Missionary,
Volunteer
Be a part of the global mission field while using your gifts in accounting and finance!
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Finance,
Internship (2-3 mo.),
USA
Aid our IT department with administrative tasks!
Administrative,
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Use your knowledge about the people of Afghanistan to bring the good news to this hard-pressed people group!
Administrative,
Project Management,
Americas,
Europe,
Global,
Middle East,
Featured,
Full Time,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Record, edit and produce dramas and live productions for global distribution!
A-V Production,
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Internship (2-3 mo.),
USA
Analyze audience responses to help improve our ministry to the unreached!
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Information Technology,
Internship (2-3 mo.),
USA
Offer your experience in operational management to improving our global operation processes!
Administrative,
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Connect churches’ global outreach calling to TWR’s international media ministry!
Administrative,
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Long-term (1+ years),
Missionary,
USA
Invest your data management and reporting talents in missions to help reach the world for Christ!
Americas,
Global,
Americas - North,
Information Technology,
Part Time,
USA,
Volunteer
For many years, Peggy has served in Women’s Ministry, Executive Leadership Development, Anti-trafficking and Women’s Studies...
Global,
Leadership,
TWR Women of Hope
Joe Barker was born in Canada and grew up as a pastor’s son in Canada, the U.S. and the Bahamas before studying communications...
Global,
Leadership
Lonnie joined TWR in September 2017. He is the author of Every Man A Warrior, a men’s ministry discipleship curriculum that has...
Global,
Leadership
Harry has been with TWR since 1981 and spent his first 14 years on Guam, followed by 23.5 years in the Netherlands. He and his...
Administrative,
Global
After serving in Austria and Cyprus, Shawn now serves as the Director of Global Marketing Operations in North Carolina. Laura...
Administrative,
Marketing,
Global
Tyler and Jennifer are based in the Cary, NC office, and Tyler serves with TWR MOTION, TWR's visual media ministry. This...
Global,
Leadership,
Marketing
The Detwilers have been with TWR since October 1982, serving in Swaziland, Monaco, the Netherlands and the U.S. Curt has served...
Administrative,
Finance,
Global
For the past four decades, God has taken us on a journey serving in Christian radio. Our heart is to see every person on earth...
Global,
Leadership
Andrew serves as adaptation coordinator for TWR MOTION, our film ministry.
A-V Production,
Global