Sunday Inspiration: Not Afraid

Fearless Love

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear..." ~ 1 John 4:18

"Perfect love". 

The type of love that sends Its own Son to take the punishment for countless sins.  

The type of love that redeems.

The kind of love that remains strong in all circumstances.

There is no fear in that love.

Only... love.

Overwhelming.

All consuming.

Leaving no room for anything else.

No room for fear.

Pushing the fear out.  Taking over everything.

Until there is nothing but that perfect love.

Fearless Obedience

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him" ~ Genesis 6:22

Noah. 

As I read his story this week I realized - there is an example of one Fearless individual!!

Credit: focusonthefamily.com

He did "everything just as God commanded". 

 

Trusting God he acted in faith.  Not afraid of what the neighbors would say.  Or if he was qualified to build an ark. Not getting tangled up in the specifics - like where to get all the wood, could he afford it, how was he going to gather up all those animals, etc.

He stepped up and built in obedience.

Fearlessly.

Ignoring Them

"Ignoring what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don't be afraid, just believe.'" (Mark 5:36)

Did you catch that, friends?
"Ignoring what they said"...

I have been so focused on the "don't be afraid, just believe" part of this verse, I have always overlooked the first part.

"Ignoring what they said"

The doubters, the nay-sayers, the Debbie downers, the bullies, the laughing.  Ignore them.

Or worse... those voices in your own head whispering "It's impossible", "It's never gonna happen",  "you're not ___ enough".  Reminding you of all your past attempts and failures.

Jesus dismisses all of them with these five little words "Don't be afraid, Just BELIEVE"

Leap of Faith

The grand baby loves to jump.  He will climb onto the couch... or the ottoman... or the stairs... or the bed, then he will turn around, and just leap into your arms. Often with a squeal or a laugh.

There is no hesitation, no pause to see if you are prepared, no hint of fear in his little blue eyes, no doubt.  Just joy at the leap.  Trusting that you will be there to catch him and not let him fall.

Oh friends... isn't that exactly how our Lord wants us to trust Him?

To leap out into His arms with a laugh.  

To jump right into the plans He has prepared for us with joyful abandon. 

Trusting Him completely.

Pushing past any fear.

No doubt.

No hesitation.

Fully believing that He will be there to catch us and keep us from harm.