Fear
Facing our fears
09/08/14 14:56
Are we hiding from God? See Adam in the garden of Eden.
First, his fear of exposure made him distant. “God called to Adam, 'Why are you hiding?' Adam said, 'I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'” Genesis 3:9-10 (LB/TEV).
God knew what Adam's problem was. He just wanted Adam to own up - a first step in coming to terms with any problem.
Second, fear of disapproval made Adam defensive - moving from excusing to accusing! “God asked, 'Did you eat . . . what I told you not to eat?' Adam answered, 'YOU gave me this woman and SHE gave me the fruit!'” Genesis 3:12.
Am I, too, blaming God for how things are in my life? God can change everything for the best if I will just let him.
Third, fear about his future surely made Adam apprehensive. He was banished from the garden of Eden. Genesis 3:24.
But God did not abandon the human race. And he hasn't abandoned you. Behind everything he does is his matchless love.
“Wherever God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out all fear.” (NCV).
Will I surrender my fears to him and accept his unconditional love for me?
First, his fear of exposure made him distant. “God called to Adam, 'Why are you hiding?' Adam said, 'I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'” Genesis 3:9-10 (LB/TEV).
God knew what Adam's problem was. He just wanted Adam to own up - a first step in coming to terms with any problem.
Second, fear of disapproval made Adam defensive - moving from excusing to accusing! “God asked, 'Did you eat . . . what I told you not to eat?' Adam answered, 'YOU gave me this woman and SHE gave me the fruit!'” Genesis 3:12.
Am I, too, blaming God for how things are in my life? God can change everything for the best if I will just let him.
Third, fear about his future surely made Adam apprehensive. He was banished from the garden of Eden. Genesis 3:24.
But God did not abandon the human race. And he hasn't abandoned you. Behind everything he does is his matchless love.
“Wherever God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out all fear.” (NCV).
Will I surrender my fears to him and accept his unconditional love for me?
* * *
“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.