For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
We have discussed how God only offers good and perfect gifts. We know that there are lesser gifts which we must be aware and discerning of. We also know that God sent us a helper in order to be ABLE to discern. We know that we are capable of many things, but only God is able to do all things victoriously.
The bottom line is this: it isn’t about all the “stuff” that we make it through, it is about what God can do! We can and do make it through a lot of things in the spirit of fear, right? We do not let go of the fear till we get to the other side. Then what transpires? We boast and say we’ve got it now and can sufficiently make it through the same thing if we ever need to again. God is not necessary in these situations. I am not saying that people do not give God ANY kudos in these situations but it is more of a “shared” spotlight.
God on the other hand wants to give us the spot light. Think about when Peter stood up to walk on the water. Christ did not say, who do you think you are attempting to walk on the water as “the Great I AM!” NO, he stood silently, probably proudly, that Peter had faith and would step out and “give it a go!” He KNEW the unlimited possibilities of Gods power unto those who would simply believe while allowing the spirit to its ability through our body – which IS His body. Now, hold these thoughts and read this verse:
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you; bid me come unto you on the water. "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
In these precious moments Peter was fully committed to allowing the spirit of power, love and discipline to hoist him up and complete a really good work in any area where Peter might have had limitations. But then…..the spirit which God does not give us rolled in like a mighty turbulent, chaotic storm and the roar of doubt, confusion, timidity and cowardice caused him to sink as his faith was thrashed about by the spirit of fear.
We are told that Jesus “made” the men out ahead of him into a boat on the water while He sent the multitudes away. Jesus went away alone to pray. While they were crossing to the other side, it states that the boat was being battered by the waves and the wind was “contrary”. A few chapters back, in Matthew the disciples were tested by a storm and a boat, the difference was that time Jesus was asleep IN the boat with them. So, of course, the spirit of fear was crouching ready to devour their faith as they gleaned experiential knowledge of what they believed. But Peter, ever being thrashed did not shrink back in the midst of this storm; don’t miss that! Instead he took a step, experienced something he believed God could do.
Christ, didn’t speak up till the spirit had accomplished what He set out to do and through this perfect storm Peter received the opportunity, took stage and the light was shinning down on him. There is no shame in sinking, Peter simply is being developed. But that’s for another day ;)
Today, be grateful for the spirit of the Lord and thankful that He is able to DO all things. I pray for those who are being battered by the spirit of fear, and I ask that you stand up when they shrink back in fear and bellow – Peace, be still for the Love of God is abundant and covering the earth from His throne in the heavens.
Kisses,
Candace
For more reading on Fear and the Journey:
©Candace Huffmaster 2012, All Copy Rights Reserved
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