Fearless!

Such a beautiful day today in East Lansing! Of course, everyday is sunny regardless of the clouds; nothing can keep the Son from shining! I've just completed the second of my three exams for this week, and I'm not exhausted yet...however I'd like to share just a little insight, perhaps this post will be short and sweet :)

Don't know about you, but when things get between me and accomplishing a particular task or goal, I get kind of upset. Some things not only cause hindrances, but threats as well. The threat of losing one's driver's license not only takes away their right to enjoy their vehicle, but also keeps them from (legally) driving to work! Is that something to be afraid of? Maybe, not getting to work and making a living to keep the lights on...but still, is that a sufficient cause to fear?

One of my favorite ministers to listen to, Pastor Joel Urshan, articulated very well that "most of us aren't afraid of our 'fears,' we're just afraid of losing control." We just don't know what we would do if placed in certain situations, so we call ourselves "afraid" of them. However, if placed in a distressful situation, such as fighting a dog off of our child (and we're "afraid" of dogs), then that fear ceases. This is because perfect love casteth out fear...there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18). Now we see how God died for us on the cross- He wasn't afraid to save His people! When we allow fear to enter into our spirit, we invite torment, torture, injury, oppression, pain and disappointment right along with it.

We have no reason to fear anything/anyone outside of the ruler of the universe- God Himself! Because He GAVE his only begotten Son, He GAVE us his love...we cannot allow fear to keep us from giving our love! If we say we love God, then we cannot be afraid to die to our flesh, our desires, our pride, our sin- our fears- and to give ourselves to HIM!!!!!! MYYYYY GOD...Once you find out the enemy's tactics, he can't use them to deceive you anymore!

Simply put, I encourage you to yield yourself to the awesome power of God by giving, showing and living your love to Him. Wait on the Lord, through all your trials and temptations, all while yielding to Him, and he will perfect His love in you!!! (James 1:4). Jesus loves us too much for you to fear anything or anyone in this world- and He didn't let anything get between Him and proving it to us.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:20

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13