What are you afraid of???

Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2 AMP)

I began reading a book this week called, "What are you afraid of?" by Dr. David Jeremiah.  In reading, it gives some interesting insights.  Did you know that the Bible says, "fear not," more than 300 times.  The word "afraid" occurs more than 200 times, and "fear" over 400.  Why does it seem that the Bible speaks so much about fear? Could it be that God knew what we would be up against?

Anyone who doesn't deal with bouts of fear, isn't doing anything that takes faith.  And we know that "without faith it is impossible to please Him." (Hebrews 11:6)  

Sometimes I wonder what we would be capable of if fear wasn't part of the equation.  Fear of rejection.  Fear of lack.  Fear of failure.  What stands between us and the attempt to walk in ALL that God has planned for us?  

Some people are afraid that if they give, they won't have enough.  Some are afraid that if they serve, they won't be appreciated.  Some fear that if they trust somebody, they could lose control.  Some fear commitment, feeling they might lose their independence.   Where does that leave us then?  It makes us stingy folk who can't do anything for others, untrusting and completely independent.  Oh, and did I mention scared? Is that our identity?  It sure doesn't sound like Jesus.  

When we let fear keep us from stepping out in faith to serve, or give, or try something new, this is who we become.  What has God asked of you?  What promises have we left on the table because the fear associated with that call was too much to overcome?

I would much rather be guilty of trusting God for more than I should.  I definitely don't want to find out in heaven that He had so much more for my life than I had faith to believe Him for.  Lord, please let our faith in what you have for us outweigh the fear that tries to stop us. 

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! (1 John 4:18a AMP)

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