DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FEAR NOT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FEAR NOT

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..." (II Timothy 1:7-8a)

I have seen people wearing a t-shirt with the saying printed on their chest: No Fear. I think that would be a good motto for Believers.

Sometimes I am reluctant to share the Gospel with people because of fear. I know that this is not from God, because He has not given us the spirit of fear. Still, I fear offending the person, or I fear not saying everything right, or I fear doing it at the wrong time, or I fear closing future opportunities to witness to my faith, or I fear that my life does not demonstrate my faith.

I wish I could have boldness of Daniel, or Peter, or Paul. But I do confess that I struggle with these emotions that keep me from boldly proclaiming God's truth. I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation. My problem is not the message but my own inabilities and weaknesses. I know that I can trust God. I just don't trust myself.

But I am not alone. Apparently Timothy had some a similar problem, so Paul encourages him to not back away from proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The solution is for me to trust God instead of myself. The Holy Spirit is faithful to do His ministry if I do mine.

One of the most common statements in Scripture is "Fear not." I can trust God because He is faithful. I need His power, His love, and a sound mind to share the Gospel of Christ.

Love, Dad