Everyone Was Fearing the Rascals

My brother and wife, Winston and Joanna Wehrman, spent many years as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Our family visited them, and one morning we sat at the breakfast table discussing the missionary who had been shot and killed by a “rascal” (the PNG word for criminals). Thievery, murders, and robberies that had been so common among the nationals were beginning to touch the European and Americans. Many businessmen were leaving PNG in fear.

“The crime seems to come in waves,” Joanna said. “Last year, we heard so many reports of rascals that it became the talk in every woman’s Bible study, church service, and prayer meeting. Nearly every service, people requested prayer because a neighbor or friend had been robbed or murdered.”

Joanna found herself awakening during the night with fear. One night, she awakened, thinking she heard noises, and began going through the house, peering cautiously out windows. As she stood at the living room window, God said, “Your fear of these rascals is just as much from Satan as the activities of the rascals.”

“I went back to the bedroom, knelt down by my bed, and asked the Lord to forgive me for my fears. Then I climbed into bed and went to sleep.”

Joanna realized that her fears did not please Jesus. Either she would allow herself to fear the enemy, or she would trust in God’s faithfulness. Fear and faith do not co-exist.

Thank You, Jesus, for giving perfect peace when we trust You no matter the situation facing us.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV).

Thank You, Jesus, for giving perfect peace when we trust You no matter the situation facing us.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV).

August Memory Verse

“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy”(Psalm 147:11).