I will confess that I struggle from time to time with our current situation. But... I sensed God talking to me about my lack of faith in Him. We studied the provisions that he provided for them as they rode the rollercoaster of following Him and then complaining against Him. Yet, He remained faithful to them. He gave to them... when anyone else would have thrown their hands up and walked away from such a faithless, fickle group. I thought for a minute... If I had just walked across dry land where a sea used to be... I think that I would have stayed faithful for a little longer than they did. BUT... do I??
God has seen us through such storms. God has provided for us time and time again. God has worked in my heart over and over. Yet... when I sense the winds blowing again, fear sets in. While we watched our video segment of the study, Beth said soemething that really hit me like a ton of bricks...
"Whatever it is that is inviting you to fear, is actually God's invitation to faith"
I thought to myself... God is wearing out the postman delivering invitations to me these days. There are so many things that are tempting me to fear.
I started looking at verses that have to do with fear. Over and over, scripture tells us to fear the Lord. It tells us that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life. Fear of the Lord adds length to life.
1 John 4:18 tells us that there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Well... I want love, not fear. Unless it is fear of the Lord. I think that I will go ahead and accept God's invitation to faith. Faith sounds a lot better than fear. What about you??
1Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared in give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
7 comments:
Wow, Lynn! What a great post and reminder for me this day. Despite innumerable examples of God's faithfulness, I still struggle at times with fear. I LOVE that quote... I'll be printing and posting that one. I need to be reminded of this often! I so appreciate the way you share insights from your study. Have a wonderful weekend! = )
Mmmm. Tasty. Good stuff! Oh, enjoy this study. I still am through you! Thank you for sharing what you're getting... it's great reminders and pick-me-ups, for us too!!
I remember when God laid it on my heart that fear of anything but Him was a form of idolotry. That has had a very deep inpact on me.
And that perfect love (Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection) casts out all fear... for I know by faith in Jesus Christ and through Christ's blood alone, I stand redemed and justified before God, the Judge of all. So... what is there to fear?!
Unfortunatly being human... I tend to forget this. But we keep going in His faithfulness not ours, lest we should boast maybe?!
And I do fear disapointing God. That's a good, reverent thing, and the beginning of widom as well! I know I can do nothing to please God beyond faith and salvation in Christ Jesus. But I do love and wish to serve my Savior in all my ways. So, a healthy fear keeps that in front of me, right?
Yes. Oh what good reminders! Good stuff, Lynn. Good stuff. Keep it coming! :)
My faith has been swallowed up by my busy this week, and let me just tell you, I'm over it! It's time to get back to God...on my face and in healthy fear of all that he is and wants to be in my life. I love Jesus, and I know that you do too, Lynn. Walk in that love with the full assurance that you walk with the Lover of your Soul.
I love you too! Be blessed, friend.
peace~elaine
Lynn-you know we are starting a blog Bible study on What Happens When Women Walk in Faith from Lysa TerKeurst book. Lelia at writefromtheheart.blogspot.com is hosting it starting the first of July. Be sure to join in!!
In His Graces~Pamela
You are so right - anyone else would have walked away - I am so thankful God does not walk away from faithless, fickle, complainers! (because He would have walked away from me a long time ago!)
Thank you for your prayers for my mom!
Bethanne
Thanks Lynn for this great post. God is really showing me how to stay faithful and in fear to Him these days. Lots of changes He is bringing me through, and showing me where He wants me to be.
***See you at church tomorrow
I find too many correlations between myself and the Israelites, too. I will be living in faith, seeing His provision, witnessing His miracles... and then when times get tough, what do I do? Yep, sometimes I give in to my flesh. In spite of all He has done, in spite of knowing His love and care for me...... I fear. I panic. I grumble. I just blow it!! But, God doesn't give up on me. He is full of loving mercy and when I ask for His forgiveness... He gives it! I'm so undeserving... His grace is amazing.
Gratefully His ~ Kelly
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