Author: sharon

If I weren’t afraid, what would I do?  

We are told in Scripture that “God has not given us a spirit of Fear, but of Power and Love and a Sound Mind.”  2 Timothy :7.  However, if we would take the time to really look at the motivations behind many of our decisions in life, we might find fear a familiar force.  When we identify that fear is playing a major role, we must ask ourselves, “What would I do if I were not afraid?” 

This can be a great help to overcome the limitations that fear has put on us.  It can help us walk in the power of love and sound mind that is ours in Christ. 

Now promise yourself to ask the above question

Identify one area of your life where fear is a major factor.

  every time “Fear” is present in your life.

No man is free who is not master of himself”     Epictetus

Scripture clearly calls us to freedom.  Galatians 5:1 states “It was for freedom that Christ set us free, so stand fast and do no submit again to the yoke of slavery”. Our lives can be controlled by money, power, social position, religiosity, food, alcohol, nicotine, and even love for another person.  Addictions come in many packages, but all lead to imprisonment.  Joshua 24:15 tells us “Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve.”

With God in us and with us, we do have the power to fight against and eventually win over any habit that limits and diminishes us.  Self-discipline is the key.  Saying no to ourselves may be hard but Hebrews 12:11 tells us “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness”.

“Letting the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ.”  – Oswald Chambers

Letting go of the hurts and disappointments of life is not easy.  It becomes extra hard when family, friends or church members play a part in our pain. I believe forgiveness is first for us, and then second, for the other person(s).  Forgiveness is God’s gift to us.  When we choose to forgive, a burden is lifted.  We are set free.

To keep this freedom found in forgiveness, I often use what I all a “prayer picture”.  This means that every time I think again of this hurt, I put the person(s) in Jesus’ hand.  It is amazing how the choice to forgive and then this habit of seeing Jesus hold the situation can bring peace to your soul.  Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13-14, “May this be the prayer of our hearts”.