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by Dennis Wheeler
This past Sunday in the our morning study we briefly touched on the subjec of 'fearing' God. We did not go into great detail of what 'fearing' God means. However, I know growing up I was literally afraid of God. I really did FEAR Him. I was afraid that I would die and stand in front of His judgment seat and He would shake a crooked finger at me and sentence me to the depths of hell. I was afraid that He was ready to zap me for everything I had ever done that was bad....and He would have had PLENTY of reasons to zap me!!!
But then I learned that the word 'fear' in it's Hebrew origin does not mean 'to be afraid of' as we understand it today. Instead, the Hebrew word for fear in the Biblical context means 'to revere and respect.'. It's the concept, especially in the Old Testament, to have an inner responsiveness and willingness to learn from the Lord.
So, if we are willing to seek God in a spirit of respect and obedience, He promises to provide instruction. Our main responsibility then is to wait for His words of guidance before we make decisions. Ugh!! That is not easy for those of us who tend to be impatient.
I don't know if you are impatient...but I AM!! And I have learned through the years that my impatience often causes me to move forward without checking in with God first. I may make a GOOD decision, but in my haste I may have missed out on God's BEST. Oftentimes poor decisions are made right before God's answer to our prayers would have arrived. So, I encourage you...do not make the painful mistake of rushing into something about which you do not feel total peace.
This should not come as a surprise to you...but God knows what you need and when you need it. Hold out for His best - you will be pleasantly surprised by what He has in store for you.
Or as I heard someone say (now - who said this??) - "Hold onto your fork, the best is yet to come!"
Claim the promise found in Psalms 25:12...
"Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose." (NLT)
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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