Fear Destroyed By Authority
Fear. What is it that you are afraid of? What is it that keeps you from chasing your dreams? Is it fear of failure? Fear of what others may think? Fear of not being good enough? Fear of being disappointed? Take a minute and just think. Think of the one thing or the many things that fear has kept you from doing in life.
Now, what if I told you that fear has no place in your life? Or that fear is just a feeling that we experience when we cannot see what is in front of us, even if it is the one thing we have dreamt the most about? According to Webster's dictionary, fear is "an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation" and "an anxious concern". Both of these definitions describe my encounters with fear perfectly.
Again, what if told you that fear has no place in your life? Would you believe me or think I am just another crazy "adventurous/wanderlust" kind of person? I have to say, fear is one of the things I have struggled with most in my life. Fear and anxiety have always been the two things that rob me of joy and peace. Over the years, though, I have learned that they literally have no power in my life except for the power I give them. Their power in my life is caused by allowing the fear and anxiety to control my thoughts and my decisions.
Some of you may know about the tattoo on my wrist. To some this tattoo may mean nothing, but to me it means a lot. I did not get the tattoo because I am truly fearless; rather, I got the tattoo because I am the biggest scaredy cat I know. In my life, I have to choose each and every day that I will not submit to fear, and that it does not control my life. The word fearless is simply my prayer. And now you may be wondering what the mountains represent. Well, they represent the beauty of God, and how no matter what mountain I am climbing, I will do so trusting His goodness and faithfulness, even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Again, praying to stand in authority and being fearless because of who I am in Christ. He makes beautiful things out of us. This is not by anything we have done or can do, but simply by His grace.
If we operated outside of fear, nothing could hold us back. But friends, we have this ability. Jesus Christ came to this earth to die for each of us so that we could experience the hope and joy God intended for us to have all of the time. Due to the brokenness of mankind, we have altered this ability on our own. Fear is not from God. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." God promises us that He has good plans for us. Now, I must add that this does not mean it is going to be an easy journey and a problem-free experience. Life is hard. Many bad things happen. We live in a broken world full of despair and hate, which grieves God. This is all the more reason to press into the hope, peace, and love offered through Him. Even when it is hard, we are called to trust Him and cast all of our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7). The fact is, Jesus has already overcome this world and with that truth, who/what could ever be against us (John 16:33, Romans 8:31)?
Yes, fear is a real thing. Fear is a legit feeling. Fear is always going to be our biggest barrier in pursuing our dreams and passions. Whatever the fear is, it will always be there. However, it is the choice we make that will make all of the difference. Again, take a moment to reflect on life, i.e. your passions, desires, and dreams. Is fear stopping you from going after those things?
My prayer for each of us is that we would live in the power and authority that God has given us. May we chase our dreams. May we pursue our passions and desires and not let fear stop us. May we trust our King and let Him use us in every way impossible to man. May He show up and blow our minds. May we be in such a need for Him, that if He doesn't show up then we are in trouble. Friends, always remember just how important, loved, and special you are. Never let the world and the fear of the world hold you back. Run with such a confidence, with your eyes on the Prize - Jesus Christ and His glory."
“If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s too small.”