Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. (Rick Warren)

I’ve always thought I should have been a risk manager. I can look at every situation and immediately have thought of a hundred scenarios of what could go wrong. Before long I have allowed fear of the “What if” to take over. It’s been a constant battle for me all my life. I’ve come to expect the worst. I have let that spill over into the lives of my children as well.

I’m forever telling them to be safe. It’s like if I don’t say it, something dreadful will happen. I have come to see how many times I have kept myself and them from experiencing a richer life.

This way of thinking is contrary to what the Bible teaches us. There are 365 references instructing us to not be afraid. Stories of  angels coming with the first words of “Fear not”. People being called to act boldly and step out in faith.

Fear of physical harm is only one kind of fear that limits us. The fear of failure, inadequacy, and of what other’s think of us can be the greatest obstacle we face.

God commissioned Moses at the burning bush to go and speak to Pharaoh. The first response he gives God is “Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:11). God assures him that He will be with him. Moses again says “What if they won’t listen to me?” (Exodus 4:1). “Oh Lord, I’m not very good with words.” (Exodus 4:10).

Moses worked out of his own fears of inadequacy rather than stepping out in faith. Instead of being focused on God he only saw his own shortcomings. He should have focused on how big God is. That with the  presence of God he was lacking nothing to complete the work God gave him.  It really doesn’t matter who we are but who God is. I may be weak but He is strong. I may seem foolish but God is wise. I may be poor but He is rich.

The plague of poor self-esteem is rampant in our society. We are being fed the lie that we are not pretty enough,  thin enough, famous enough, rich enough to be of worth. It turns our eyes inward rather than towards God. We really are a society wrought with narcissism. Every girl I know takes selfies to post to social media. Judging how they feel about themselves based on how many likes they get. It seems our internal question  is am I enough?

Faith in God’s greatness is the answer to all this self-doubt. It has taken me since early childhood to get to a point that I don’t focus on my perceived short-comings. Rather I am finally walking in the knowledge that I can do all things through Christ alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“‘For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the Law was given.  As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Salvation is for Everyone.” (Romans 10:4 NLT)

 

Do you ever think there is no way God would let me into Heaven with Him? I cannot even make it through one day without sinning. Some offense that I am sure angers God. It seems the harder I try the less self control I have and the more the Universe has to thr0w at me.

It never fails the lady in the line in front of me at the grocery store can’t seem to find her wallet or the dishwasher sprung a leak on my new floor. The thoughts of curses and sometimes the hateful angry words that follow. They make me hang my head in shame when I think about it.

There are deeper darker traits in my heart. I am a murderer in that dark place. Yes, it’s true. I have hated so much that I truly wanted to strangle someone. I’ve had thoughts of using a brick to take that person out. It was horrible to realize that the only reason I didn’t follow through was Christ in my heart. He is the good in me. I have the same sin nature as the worst murderer. Sin is sin. It’s all evil, dark, selfish, and full of hate. We all have it. Our conscience, ethics and taught morals help to hold this at bay.

That is why I need salvation. If I was to go to the pearly gates on my own I would never be allowed admittance with the dark heart I have. No matter the good works I have done, the laws I followed, nor the appearance of propriety I try to have. I am doomed without the redeeming Blood of Christ to cover that dark pit in my heart.

Being saved from this sinful nature is so simple that people cannot accept it. Just believing in Jesus and declaring He is Lord can get me in? What’s the catch? Romans 10:13 says “For everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.” There must be more. Right?

There is really no catch? None. Don’t forget there was punishment. Horrible torture and blood shed that lead to death. It just wasn’t put on me or you. Jesus paid the price. As the song says “Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.” I am so thankful that He did. I am eternally grateful to have been told about Jesus as a young child. My Grandmother was a living example of Christ to me. She told me Jesus loved me. That He accepts me even when I am not pretty outwardly or inwardly. We believers who understand the Grace of Christ need to share this with others through not only words but actions. Giving love, time, and modeling the love Jesus has for all mankind. He really doesn’t care if you are a different race, political belief, or what you have done good or bad. He just loves us. You can’t impress him more to make Him love you more. His love is perfect and complete. You also can’t disappoint Him so much that you lose that love either. He just loves us.

JESUS LOVES YOU!