"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This is a statement made by FDR during his first inaugural address. He spoke these words at one of the worse points during the Great Depression.
Have you ever noticed that fear keeps us from doing so many things. Fear can control our thoughts, actions, and faith. As Christians what do we have to be fearful of? The phrase "fear not" is mentioned over 350 times in the Bible. How many times have you been scared to do something because you were uncertain of what the outcome may be? I believe one of the main reasons the Christian faith struggles is because most Christians struggle with fear.
I believe when you look through the Bible many servants of God struggled with fear. But it always seems that when they put their trust in God, fear was not an issue. One story that comes to mind is the story of Moses going to Pharaoh. Moses did not want to confront Pharaoh. We know the excuses that Moses tried to give God about why he could not go to Pharaoh but God used Moses and his fear to help free the people.
How many people do you know that need to be freed from something in their life? How many people do you know that have a struggle that is hindering their walk with God? What ministry would you like to start but are scared too? The questions can go on and on. The main question is, "Is fear hindering your walk with God?"
My hope is that as followers of Christ, we can walk with an attitude that is lacking fear. An attitude that is free from fear and one that reflects a God who will never leave us or forsake us.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
I would also submit, however, that fear is healthy. Not the paralyzing fear that keeps us from doing anything, but the healthy fear of stepping outside our comfort zone. The fear you feel as the roller coaster climbs to the top of the first hill. Those butterflies that make you just a bit afraid to step out. I mean look at all the apostles. They had to be afraid. I think a relationship with Jesus can overcome that, but when you are following someone who calls you to come and die, a little fear is healthy. If we are so comfortable that we feel no fear, maybe we need to examine if we are stepping out in faith or cowering in the boat.
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ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that fear is not from God and that "perfect love drives out fear," I still contend that we need a little fear in our lives. If I'm so comfortable and content that there is never any uncertainty or fear in my life, perhaps I'm too safe. I'm not saying that we give in to the fear or allow it to control us, but that we need to do some things which take us out of our comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell me that when the woman touched Jesus' robe, there wasn't a little fear. When Mary and Martha watched Jesus call Lazarus out of the tomb, there wasn't a little fear. When Peter got up to speak on Pentecost, there wasn't a little fear. When Paul's ship wrecked, there wasn't a little fear. It doesn't mean that fear is allowed to stop us or keep us from doing what God is calling us to. I simply contend that fear is a good indicator that perhaps we are stepping out in faith and following God's call. If it's not a little scary, maybe it's too safe.