#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

Revelations 1:17

As I read this verse of scripture, I was immediately alerted to the author, John – a disciple of Jesus and apostle. He was seeing a vision of the end times. John fell as if dead at the feet of Jesus, upon seeing Him. John was afraid, probably petrified at what he was seeing. Being human and having a vision of Jesus would make any person, I believe wonder, “Am I in my right mind.”

Jesus calms John and declares that He (Jesus) is the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. The right hand means in prophetic terms ‘power and authority’ So with power and authority Jesus calms John and shows John what is to happen in the future.

I added verse 18 to give full context to verse 17.

I see how we in life can feel afraid of God when we struggle in life. Jesus places his hand on us and gently says, “Do not be afraid, for I am stronger than your worst fears and have power over the enemy and authority to defeat him (Satan).” When we are in relationship with God, His love casts out all fear, 1 John 4:18.

If I was before Jesus I probably would feel the same way as John did. In my life I have felt the calm loving hand of God on me when I have had no answers for life’s problems and things have seemed overwhelming to me, like going through a court battle. Jesus knows we are going to be overwhelmed and He calms our fears and says, “I have known the beginning of your circumstance or your situation, and I know the end of it as well. Trust Me and let me show you how to walk through your problem.” Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Psalm 23. Keep your focus on Jesus. Let Him show you that you can make it through. This year is 2017. 17 is the number in prophetic terms of breakthrough, victory and abundance. Let this be so in your life. Declare it in Jesus name; not in a half-hearted way. Really mean this in your heart and let Jesus be victorious for you. “Don’t be afraid, I am the first and the last.

Shane Bekker lives in Salisbury East. He is currently studying Certificate 3 in Business