Fear always brings bondage. These words struck me this morning. What are we afraid of? Fear of the unknown? Fear of getting hurt? Fear of hurting someone else?
What is the result of such fear? Isolation? Separation? Exclusion?
Everything we fear can be traced to wanting to avoid some level of discomfort. Step back from the discomfort and love. That’s right, love. When you are afraid, remember God is Love. According to Smith Wigglesworth, ‘There is a place of perfect love for Christ in which you are always casting out all fear and you are living in a place of freedom.’ --
1 John 4:18 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.
Perfect Example; Luke 10:13-17, tells of a woman with scoliosis who had been ‘crippled’ for eighteen years. She went to the synagogue to hear Jesus teach and when he saw her, he had compassion on her and healed her. The synagogue leader was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. The leader was more concerned about breaking his perception of the law than freeing this woman from her bondage.
Fear takes our eyes off of Jesus… Love helps us get back to what truly matters.
Again, I ask, what are you afraid of? Financial expenses? Not understanding an individual with a speech impediment? Making a fool of yourself around a person in a wheelchair? Your congregation may complain about such inclusion of people with disabilities?
Act in love.
Shelly is a 30 something year old licensed therapist with cerebral palsy who is transitioning onto a whole new path in her life. As someone who was never limited by her disability, through recent declines in her health and abilities, God is humbling her despite her stubborn resistance. She is closer to Jesus than she ever has been as He carries her with His strength, protects her with His armor, and empowers her with His Spirit.She uses her writing and speaking gifts to fulfill her ultimate purpose of bringing glory to God through her life.
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