Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Most Frequent Command In Scripture: Do Not Be Afraid

“Don’t Be Afraid” – The most frequent command in Scripture? Are you as surprised as me? Would you have even guessed that if someone asked you?

However, after thinking about it makes sense. Fear makes us aware of our limits and boundaries- Jesus, loves to challenge our limits and boundaries. Faith by definition is a challenge to what we have defined as “safe.”

Real Faith is risky, even dangerous. And as Jesus trains and develops our faith and trust in Him, there is but one method; confronting our fears and limits.
So if we are going to be trained by faith, if we are going to be transformed; then Jesus is going to place us in difficult circumstances that will push our limits and place us face to face with fear.

Peter was not invited (maybe invited himself) to walk on water when the water was calm and undisturbed. Jesus invited Peter to walk on water during a dangerous storm. Peter did not simply walk on water; he walked through a frightening and intimidating circumstance. It was not about walking in water, it was about confronting fear.

I am learning that circumstances that stretch my faith are fearful circumstances. I am learning that faith requires me to step towards Fear. What if fear was no longer a deterrent of growth for us? What if fear became a welcomed signal that God is near and working? What if the real peace I am longing for is found in the other side of fear?

Just for fun, here are a few Scriptures with this command; Step out.
Gen 15:1, Gen 26:24, Exod 14:13, Exod 20:20, 2 Chron 20:15, Dan 10:12, Acts 18:9, Rev 2:10

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