Fear Factor

Fear is such a wicked, vicious monster, who always rears it's ugly head any time we try to step out in faith. And it never ever disappears completely, though it may hide out for a while, watching and waiting for the precise time to emerge again. Some people seem to have the upper hand, while others are in a continuous struggle for control over their life and faith. What do the victorious ones know? How is it that they can slay this beast and never lose their stride? I and many, many others know in our heads that the key is faith. Faith in an all-powerful God Who tells us in His word we do not need to fear anything! A God Who is bigger and stronger than any fear I could ever imagine or dream up. However, when fear becomes reality, we stumble and lose our grip on God's mighty hand. But praise God, He NEVER lets go of us! We have to remember that! Even when we feel abandoned and alone in our fear, He has promised to never leave or forsake us. I wasn't planning to post on fear today, but it seems to be invading my thoughts in many ways. My devotion this morning asked the question "are you doing what you believe you really should be doing at this stage in your life, or have you allowed fear to prevent you from stepping out?" A few months ago, I had a vivid dream where a lion was stalking both me and my son. We were only a few steps away and it just kept following us until finally it pounced...directly on me, bypassing everyone else in the room. But it had changed into a white tiger. (I'm still not exactly sure about the meaning of that). Right before the attack, I was telling the others about this lion following me and a friend said (very matter-of-factly) "Oh yea. I saw it too. I just spoke to it in the name of Jesus and it left!" Well, when it came at me, I sat up in my bed trying to scream (you know, when nothing will come out). Shaking and trembling, I finally laid back down and prayed that God would show me what this meant. I felt Him so clearly say "Don't let the enemy steal your passion that I have given you!" I couldn't get this out of my mind for days, and I came to a peace that I truly needed to be proactive in guarding this passion; putting on the full armor of God every day. It is a battle, sometimes minute by minute. Fear has always had a grip on me and I let it control me for much of my life. Thankfully, I am learning so much about the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Fear and faith cannot coexist! They just can't; so I am training myself to take any fearful thoughts captive and give them to God. I don't always succeed, but I am leaning on the power of the One who lives inside of me.  I am determined not to let any fears steal my passion to serve my Heavenly Father. I want to soar like an eagle high above any fear. It sounds really good; now Lord, please help me to live it out. Help me to step out in faith and serve You, for Your glory. Amen.