Yesterday we looked at anticipation, fear, and faith. Today I think it's time to look at that again, but in a different way.
Where I believe it's true that fear and faith hold many similarities with anticipation being a common denominator, I also believe fear can act separately, and all on its own.
Specifically, fear can prevent us from many things. We see opportunities to share God's love and kindness, but because of fear, we hold back and don't. When is fear rational and when isn't it?
Look at these lyrics from Benjamin Glover and Joshua David Wilson in the song I Refuse as an example:
"Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not."
I've been there more than I'd like to admit. Truth be told, I'm sick of living like that. I want to see you, and me, do more and be more than that. If we know people are in pain mentally, physically, or spiritually, why do we just turn our faces and ignore them? Fear. I think it's that simple.
"This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch.
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong."
Isn't it true? Isn't it easier to just stand and watch - to just move on? To wait for someone else to do what we know WE should do? We can say a simple, meaningless prayer. Can't we? Don't we? But where is the ownership in that? Where is the HEART in that? What if instead of relinquishing OUR responsibility, we made this part of the lyrics our own purpose:
"But I refuse.
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care.
I don't want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse.
To sit around and wait for someone else.
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose.
Not to move but I refuse."
What if? What if we just did what we already know we should do?
"So, if You say move,
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are."
What if these words were true for us? Could we say this?:
"I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God."
I think we each possess the ability to look around us - to the people next door, to our co-workers, to someone at the store, or at the bus stop and to choose to share our Father's love with them.
I encourage us today to put fear in its place. Step out. Be bold. Be confident. Make a difference and do what we know we should do.
Many of you are. But, many of us aren't too. Will you reexamine your life today and look past fear? Are you willing to make a fool of yourself and be humble enough to let God use you?
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