The fear of being left behind (and what Jesus says about it)
Dear friend.
There’s a fear that doesn’t always make it into conversation. It’s quieter than most. It’s the fear of being overlooked - of doing your best, giving what you’ve got, and somehow still being passed over.
Maybe you’ve felt it at work, in your family, in church. Maybe you’re feeling it today.
I’ve certainly felt it. And if I’m honest, I’ve tried to manage it in all the wrong ways - by clinging tighter to titles, to roles, to a sense of achievement. Even, at times, to ministry itself.
But then I keep coming back to this simple line from Jesus in Luke 12: “Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it gives your Father great happiness to give you the kingdom.”
What strikes me every time is the word happiness. God isn’t reluctantly parting with something you have to earn. He delights to give. It brings him joy.
That changes everything.
The question Jesus leaves us with isn’t “have you worked hard enough?” It’s simpler and more searching than that: Are your hands open? Are you ready to receive?
Sometimes the thing standing between us and God’s generosity isn’t our sin or our failure. It’s our grip.
Today’s devotional on YouTube explores this in about five minutes. If you’re carrying that quiet fear of being left behind, I think it might speak to you.
Watch the full devotional here:
Until tomorrow.
Rob