Friday, August 3, 2012

Fear Nothing

"For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
~~~~~~~~~~

I was reading the Daily Guidepost devotional the other morning and came across a great blessing Pastor David Kidd has used for years in his congregation in North Carolina.   At the end of the service he would say, "Go out into the world, and fear nothing."  His wife Pam said the church even had bumper stickers made with this blessing. It became the church motto.

"Go out into the world, and fear nothing."

This is what God asks of us, His followers.  We are to have the courage to go out into the world, sharing the Gospel with others. We are to love and forgive others. We are to be obedient to what God has called us to do~ His purpose for our lives.  And we are to fear nothing.  Imagine being in that place. Oh, what we could accomplish if we feared nothing!


God has so many plans for our lives, and I confess their are times I let fear get in the way of doing what he asks.  I don't like being out of my comfort zone.  What if he asks us to change our plans and replace them with His?  What if doing what God asks means surrendering our will for His will only?  What if being obedient means going out into the world and fearing nothing?

"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it"
Luke 11:28
~~~~~~~~~~
Recently I felt God leading me to speak out about a childhood trauma I experienced, Voicing A Difficult Truth.  At first I felt anxious, but as time went by I realized God had my best interests at heart.  And not only mine, but those who would read my story.  God's way and timing are always perfect, just like His love for us, and I eventually came to a place of peace, stepping out of the boat, and going "out into the world and fearing nothing."  (Mostly, anyway!)

The most amazing thing about being obedient to God is that it unlocks His power within us!  It fills us to overflowing and reaches into our hidden places filling them with light.  It empowers us to be who God calls us to be.  I only pray I remember that the next time I find myself hiding from the world, the next time I hesitate when God says,

"Go out into the world, and fear nothing!



I am linking up with Spiritual Sundays

19 comments:

Lisa Lewis Koster said...

Go out into the world and fear nothing - I love it! I, too, was recently called to do something I really didn't want to do. I was obedient, and it didn't turn out anything like I expected (does it ever?) but I felt so much better just following through and having it behind me. Thanks for your post!

Pamela said...

Renee, I clicked you link and read your story. Oh, so difficult--especially a young child. So thankful God is showing you how to work through it and "Go out fearing nothing." I can't imagine how hard sharing it must have been for you, but I pray the blessing of helping others will fill your heart.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Hi Renee...I sort of posted this same thing...His love makes me do what I might not otherwise. And it takes my fears and pushes me to act. Wishing you a beautiful weekend.

Renee said...

Hi Lisa I do like this blessing and use it daily now over myself. God is full of surprises isn't he.

Renee said...

Hi pamela, thank you for your kind words. I am seeing the blessings already from speaking out. God is so good, isn't He. He heals our wounds and blesses others through our struggles.

Renee said...

Hi Sarah(Nikki)
I like that~ His love taking our fears.....

Charlotte said...

What a great motto. It does take a lot of faith though to do it. Thank you for your example.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Joan Hall said...

Renee- sometimes it is hard to get out of our comfort zones, but God often calls us to do just that.

I like what the pastor said, "go out and fear nothing."

sharon said...

lovely post Renee, that fear thing can be so crippling, but that is a wonderful motto, thank you. I am going out and I am going to fear nothing! Have a blessed week.

Renee said...

Hi Charlotte....I love this motto! And being an example? I dont' think so...I am still learning! faltering.....sometimes succeeding....but still learning.

Renee said...

Glad you like what Pastor Kidd says...I do to!

Renee said...

Thanks Sharon...yes fear can be crippling and steal our freedom. I keep speaking this overmyself to remember what God asks He will equip us for.

Susy said...

It took great courage and faith to tell your story. May God continue you steadfast on your path to healing. This has given me insight and compassion for others as well. Blessings to you Renee.

Susy said...

Renee it took courage and faith to tell your story. Not only have you set yourself free from the shame of it, you're helping others do the same. And It's given me insight and compassion for others that may have a similar past. Blessings.

Gayle said...

I love it, that is a saying to yourself as you go out. So strange...every time I go teach I don't want to go. I want to say home where it is safe and I don't have to risk. And then I go and a student comes up to me and says something that lets me know I am right where God would have me. But every time I struggle...

Renee said...

Hi Susy Thank you for your kind words and it is my prayer that it helps others and gives insight into abuse...even remembering it so late in life.

Renee said...

Hi Gayle....I love this saying too. I say it throughout the day when it comes to mind....when something causes anxiety or maybe worry or I am doing something new...
Thank you for sharing your own struggles with going to school. So glad you find God's encouragement along the way.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, as always!

I love your writing and your wisdom. What a blessing your blog is!

God bless you

Ruth said...

Great message, Renee! I heard a podcast today where the speaker said something like, if we really believed we are who he says we are and that he is who he says he is, who knows what could be accomplished. I'm praying for boldness and willingness. Thanks for sharing.