Fear is a powerful thing. Sometimes it paralyzes us in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Sometimes it propels us to safety. Sometimes it pushes us to our knees before a Holy God.
Paul tells us that as Christians, we are not given a spirit of fear, but one of sonship. (Rom. 8:15) And typically, Christians assume that it means that fear is sinful and a sign of faithlessness.
Not so!
To be more precise, in the NIV, Paul tells us that we did not receive a spirit that makes us slaves again to fear. It is the slavery bit that is significant. A slave is, among other things, someone "entirely dominated by some influence or person."
There is only One thing that should dominate our lives, and He is a jealous God. He will not share his place with anyone or anything; including fear.
Fear guides us and directs us. It can point us toward safety and can point us toward God. It can lead us to options we might not otherwise consider.
However, we cannot let it rule us. It should compel us to seek God's will rather than run from it.
I didn't realize until recently how much I allow fear to rule my life. I don't say things that need to be said because I am afraid I'll make someone mad. I don't do things that need to be done because I am afraid of failure. I don't allow myself to truly heal from my past because I'm afraid of the unknown.
What a tragedy. I have the most powerful Being in the universe on my side and I choose not to do what I know is right because I am afraid.
Dear Lord, too often I let fear master my life and guide my steps. Help me remember I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Thank you for your Word, which reminds me I am free and only You can Master me. Amen.
1 comment:
Hi Precious One!
Can I just say that you are like a Wonder Woman! I am so sad that you have had to endure such hardships in your very young life but God has a wonderful plan for you!
I left my husband of 25 years because he treated me like his enemy...from day one of our marriage. It started the minute I became the "wife." I kept praying and believing that God could change him but I finally left when I chose not to let him treat me that way anymore. He never hit me but the bruises to my heart were deep and painful. He tried to steal everything from me...my future, especially. But I felt such peace. He couldn't take away My Jesus and that was all I needed to make it without him.
Funny thing but it took me a while to be angry. I couldn't be angry in my home about anything. I would be in trouble. He would pout for months and withhold affection. I walked on eggshells.
But it is now over...almost 2 1/2 years later and I am at peace.
You are going to heal from the abuse. You will be able to express your anger...your feelings! It won't happen overnight but keep understanding that anger is a protective response to our safe boundaries. You can sin in how you react to anger. That's the unhealthy response. But you can also allow anger to set safe boundaries in your life!
I want you to promise me that you will not let this "man" who promised to love you steal any more of your life. You live it with JOY and PEACE. You live it expecting God to give you your PROMISED LAND! You are so much better off and he will never have the treasure he had in you as his wife. Bless your children with a home full of the fruit of God's Holy Spirit. Remember Lot's wife and don't look back. You have a PROMISED LAND waiting for you.
Post a Comment