DEVOTION / Joyful service instead of fear

This is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1,3).

This was Mike’s confirmation passage. It still reminds me of his attitude and smile despite deficits that would crush most people. Mike was in a car accident at age 5 when he suffered a severe brain injury.

Two truths to live by

There are two truths here that beckon to each of us.

• God says: “I created you and redeemed you.”

• God says, “Do not fear, you belong to me.”

But we have an inner voice that disagrees. A voice that tends towards fear and failure. This voice sounds like words from our childhood slung by an older brother or sister, a bully at school, a coach, or our first employer.

God replaces the misbeliefs that rattle around in our heads with the truth of his grace. God says you are the unique person he wanted you to be. He has replaced your weaknesses with his strength. Jesus’ cross and its forgiveness bring you volumes of love and freedom from fear.

Those truths lived out by J.S. Bach

J.S. Bach wrote the letters J.J. at the beginning of each composition and S.D.G. at the end. S.D.G. stood for Soli Deo Gloria, to God alone be the glory. But he knew it could not be on the basis of his own strength that he composed his music. So he started with Jesu Juva, Jesus help me!

His motivation came from his conviction that he was created and redeemed by Jesus, that he belonged to Jesus, and, since his life mattered to Jesus, there was nothing to fear.

Those truths lived out by Mike

Mike lived by the same J.J. and S.D.G. acronyms. He lived by faith instead of fear.

Confined to an electric wheelchair, he worked at the hospital greeting people with joy. He consoled friends at his group home.

Mike met his Savior in heaven at the relatively young age of 30. Yet he had a profound impact on hundreds because he knew he belonged to God because Jesus had created him and redeemed him. That trust showed in his joyful willingness to serve. His life projected praise because he knew Jesus would help him. He relied on Jesus’ strength rather than on his own abilities.

That is the reason, from beginning to end, Mike lived to give God alone the glory.