Fear Not!

 Like everyone, I have known fear in my life, and for the first twenty-five years of my life, I allowed

fear to completely rule me. Fear was a constant companion of mine in childhood (which could not be helped), in my teenage years, and in my young adult years. It even followed me into adulthood for a short while. I can't say that I have overcome fear completely, but I no longer allow it to rule me. The biggest reason is because my focus has shifted, and that focus grows more acute with each day that passes. However, the most important reason for this is because of my heart's recognition of the root of fear. Yes, fear is the absence of faith, but it goes so much deeper than that - far deeper than most of us know or understand.

These are crazy times in which we live. They are also prophesied times. Satan and his minions are raging in the hearts, minds, and souls of many. He is always looking for an entry point, always looking for a weakness in us. Fear and corruption are his business, and we flawed human beings are regular cash-paying customers. We give him plenty of business and his demonic helpers are never idle on the job. So many of us think we can handle the adversity Satan dishes out on our own and we forget to call upon God for heavenly assistance. Or when we do pray, at times, it may not be with our whole heart because of fearing that our prayers won't be answered. For me personally, whenever fear was present in my heart while praying, it was defeating to my spirit, and the phrase "Thy will be done" became void. It wasn't until I learned to pray without fear of not having my prayers granted that "Thy will be done" really began to settle into my heart.

Just as Satan has completely been unleashed to rampantly spread evil in the world, so, too, has fear spread like a plague - and indeed, it IS a plague, one that is a constant struggle to fight, and sadly, it is taking over and darkening the world at an increasing pace. The adversary thrives on fear. It gives him power, and he in turn bestows that power on those he corrupts, thereby strengthening the enmity of the willing wicked against those who are striving to be righteous. He is his own government and has been enslaving minds and hearts for eons.

God is the author of faith, Satan, the author of fear. And since faith is far more powerful than fear, it stands to reason that no matter how strong the storms may rage or how many darts the adversary fires at us, if we stand with the Lord in faith, allowing Him and the hosts of heaven to do battle for us, Satan and the powers of darkness will have no place in us. AND HE WILL LOSE!

Now, some may not like what I am about to say, but I'm only writing what the Lord has impressed upon my heart for a very, very long time now, and I cannot fear what others think, so please, don't throw darts at the messenger. It's not about me. It's never been about me. It's about the Lord and His work. It's about stepping up and speaking out. It is about letting our light shine and glorifying the Lord in word, deed, and every aspect of our lives. Again, I am not judging. I judge no man, not even myself. So . . . what I need to say is simply this:

The time of separating our personal life from our professional life is over, as are the days of Sunday-only Christianity. If we are true followers of Christ in our personal life, those beliefs should merge with our professional life. So many speak of Christ at home, but are terrified to share anything about Him or even speak His name to anyone in the workplace. And I'm not talking about jumping up on an office desk, donning a robe and staff and preaching hellfire and damnation. (I love the prophets of old, but I don't think I could pull off that look, not to mention the hair! :-)) I'm talking about little opportunities that God presents us with here and there to be an example, to allow the Lord's countenance to shine though our own, to be true Christians to the best of our ability. To strive to follow in His ways in the workplace or business setting.

AND TO DO IT WITHOUT FEAR!

We are about to be tested in ways that are unimaginable. Some of us already are. And if we don't have the courage to stand as witnesses of God in whatever circumstance we may be in now, how will the Lord be able to use us to help others through the metaphorical flood? How will we have ears to hear the spiritual cries of help of others or eyes to see suffering beyond our own? How will we even hear His voice amidst the chaos?

The Lord loves us with a love beyond our understanding. I feel His love for me every day, but even I cannot grasp the magnitude of it. I pray for the day when I will, but until then, all I can do is be watchful and prayerful and try to use what gifts He has given me to glorify Him. Because as I said, it's not about me. It's about Him and His work.

May we all go forward with faith, giving no place to fear except the fear of God, and let that fear in the Lord increase and strengthen our faith.

Faith in Him is where true power lies.

Happy Sabbath!