Steps to Becoming the Man/Woman God made us to be...

Step 2 - FEAR

What are you afraid of? I used to be be deathly afraid of sharks, even though I grew thousands of miles aways from the ocean! As I grew older, the fear became more rational, but I still never wanted to run into a shark. While on an ocean getaway with my wife, we decided to go snorkeling. We were having a great time looking at all of the ocean life, when my wife started freaking out. She pointed behind us, where no more than six feet away, a four foot shark had snuck up upon us. I was paralyzed, but instead of trying to out-swim my wife, I faced that shark and watched as it swam away. I then had to go change my wetsuit! The point is, I came face to face with what I was afraid of and did not run away.

Fear is a common theme today. Everyone is afraid of something. Fear seems to dominate our politics, religion, and relationships. Fear also prevents us from becoming a better man or woman. Why? Because it keeps us from trying new things and taking new opportunities. It keeps us at home playing video games, not getting a gym membership, or not going after that job promotion or opportunity, and in some cases, you calling from God. When fear controls us, we aren't walking in God-given "power, love, and self-discipline. Fear wants us to be complacent. When we are comfortable we stop improving.

I believe what the world needs now, more than ever, is human beings willing to face their fears. Human beings who will not let the risks outweigh the rewards. The spirit of fear around us is not what God intends for us. If we look at the great leaders from the past, throughout history, we see that they did not let fear stop them from achieving amazing feats.

It's not that they were not afraid, but they didn't let fear control them.

POP Culture- There are so many stories, movies, books, songs, etc. that describe how dangerous and destructive fear is. To name a few most recent ones, Star Wars and Dune, come to my mind. Master Yoda to little Anikan Skywalker at the testing. Paul Atraites when he is being tested by the Reverend Mother - "I must not fear, fear is the mind-killer."

Fear is a motivating factor and when used for good it can be world and life changing.

What is one thing that you have always wanted to do? Why haven't you done it? If fear is a major reason, maybe it is time to reevaluate. People today have allowed fear to keep them from being engaging fathers and mothers, investing in their marriage, and leading their families. Today, more than ever, we need people who aren't afraid to face and conquer their fear; PEOPLE WHO WALK IN "POWER, LOVE, AND SELF DISCIPLINE."

1. Each of us have experienced legitimate fears. We all have areas we allow our fear to control. Write down 3 things that fear is controlling in your life today. What would you need to do to overcome those fears? What would your life look like if you did?

2. What is a fear you need to face? It could be dealing with your finances or facing someone who has abused or wronged you.

3. What is one small or large step you can make today to start conquering that fear?

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you: be not afraid, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, and help thee, and will sustain thee with the right hand of My justice."

1 Corinthians 6:13 - "Meats are ordained for the belly, and the belly for the meats: but God shall destroy both it, and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body."