In 2020, I have woken up more times with questions, doubt and fear than any other time in my life. Sometimes, these feelings are paralyzing.

I am sharing openly because I know I am not the only person who has these feelings. Honesty can yield compassion, unity and hope.

2020 has brought many struggles, and now is the time for truth. We have seen many deaths due to COVID-19, and the loss of dear souls passing into eternity without God is eternally devastating.

If God tarries, what kind of world will my grandkids face?—another fear that keeps me up at night.

Both saints and sinners are walking thru the valley of the shadow of death. The question arises, "Will we fear no evil?"

Following God is a risky business, and it might just keep you up.

Some might say it is not a risk to obey God. Yet, when God spoke to Abraham, he replied, "Here I am!" Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you" (Gen. 22:2).

Every generation has to grapple with this question: Can we trust God?

When you are fearful in your walk with God, remember David. In an impossible situation, David did not fear Goliath but recognized the greatness of God. The spirit of fear did not overcome David, but the "fear of the Lord" created his holy response.

Is 2020 what the Bible calls the great falling away, or do we see the birthing of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit? A simple shift in perspective and remembering the greatness of God can put my heart at ease.

I love the words written by Paul in Acts 20:24, "But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Paul's wounded body was a constant reminder of the holy risk he faced each day in ministry. But the "fear of the Lord" made the risk of his life worthy to God.

Paul wrote to young Timothy about the holy risk that confronts the spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:6 says, "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control."

His power, love, and our sound mind will stir up the gift of holy risk and holy actions.

— Holy action requires the critically important variable: risk.

— Holy risk starts with hearing the voice of God.

— Holy risk grows by trusting the voice of God.

— Holy risk power is released by obedience to the voice of God.

— Holy risk requires tenacity.

There are moments we will awaken in the night, finding ourselves praying and growing in the Spirit. Remember, God has not abdicated the throne. He is alive. He holds the keys of death, hell and the grave.

May our only aim be to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us—the task of testifying to the Good News of God's grace.

I believe the Good News of God's grace has started a spiritual awaking all over the world.

You are beautiful; I see Jesus in you. Have an awesome week!

Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the Book of Hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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