Fear...

Fear.

When you see or hear that word, what are the first things that pop into your mind?

I know for me, fear usually means vulnerability...rejection...failure...

It's not something that we look forward to in life but it is a part of it because we are humans living in a sinful world where fear is a powerful thing. We're surrounded by it everyday on the news, out in everyday life, in our homes and in schools. But it's what we do with that fear that determines how we move forward.

For me, I'm dealing a lot with fear of failure. I've allowed that fear keep me from doing a lot of things in my life. I know with school I, of course, wanted God to have his way and lead me in the right direction but although I really did have the desire to do what God wanted, I had an underlying fear of failure and moving in the wrong direction.  But what I didn't realize is that life is a highway (yes, that just happened. :cue Rascal Flatts:). God allows us to move forward but as long as we are staying focused on God, He will place markers in our lives to guide us along. We just have to keep moving. But moving forward kind of leaves you feeling almost...bare. At least with me it does. I don't like feeling vulnerable so this is a big thing. I feel like when I step forward that I am risking my heart and risking falling on my face and that hurts a lot! But I can see that it's what we do in our failures is what helps us to grow. We ought not to wallow in our failures but give them to God. In our failure is where God shines through the most. He covers that with his love and mercy, picks us up, sets us upright and pushes us along. And I've realized that although I feel bare walking forward, I'm really not. Being God's child, he will cover me with his protection. We just need to be bold, cast aside our fear, step forward in faith and trust God to show his glory in a mighty way.

In closing, we must remember that fear is not of God. It says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us the spirit of fear but of love and of a sound mind. And in Isaiah 41:10 it gives us reasons not to fear. It says, "... fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." We as believers in Christ do not have to live in fear. Compared to the truths in God's word, fear is illogical. There are countless reasons not to fear and proof that God takes care of his own. Like for instance, I realized that I am terrified of car accidents. Don't ask me why but I do. I'm in a car and seeing the traffic around me is seizing. It's awful. But when I really thing about it, I haven't been in any traumatizing accidents therefore my fear of car accidents is illogical and unfounded. I have to step back, know that this is a tactic of the enemy and I need to cast it aside, be bold and say, "No. God has not given this to me so I don't want it. I refuse to accept this fear." I think everyone should say that. Look their fear in the face and say "I don't want you. Go away". Be bold with your fear! I know that sounds like a paradox because fear prevents you from being bold but you have God as your backbone and his Word as your protection so you're pretty much set. :)


Till Next Time...


P.S. If Rascal Flatts is still on your mind, here is the music video! Life is a Highway. And it has clips from the movie Cars so double win! :D