Cindi Raymond On Purpose

Fear: What’s Your Perspective?

“After these things, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am Your shield, Your exceedingly great reward.’” Genesis 15:1 NKJV

Fear has gotten a lot of bad press in Christian circles. I hear myself repeating the mantras, “The Bible says, ‘Fear not’ and ‘Do not be afraid’…so, DON’T!” I consistently find myself representing fear in a negative light. But is it always bad?

The emotion of fear can afford protection as in the case of fight-or-flight responses. During events that represent a very real threat to life or limb, fear is a survival mechanism. It tells us when to run from danger. It tells us when to proceed with caution. This is real fear.

I’m beginning to understand that false fear is the real culprit! False fear fails to motivate us toward good decisions if we are not careful to recognize it.

Finding Success in Total Dependence

I’ve experienced plenty of failure in my lifetime. You probably have too. We are imperfect people living in a broken world. Much of my failure has resulted from refusing to admit when I needed help, pridefully overestimating my own ability. And have you noticed? Simple defeat isn’t bad enough; failure always seems to draw a crowd. Why is that? Seriously, where are all those looky-loos when we succeed?

The ninth chapter of Mark’s Gospel records a big fail for some of Jesus’ disciples. When Jesus and His three closest disciples descended from the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13) the fallout of failure welcomed them. An eager crowd and a desperate father with a sick, demon-possessed son, looked on as the other nine frustrated disciples argued with some opportunistic scribes. The scene quickly dampened the spiritual high of the mountain-top experience.

Maybe this scene feels familiar. You returned home after a peaceful time of rest or some special time with the Lord and walked into a storm at home. Chaos chewed up calm. Discord displaced peace. This is what Jesus encountered.

The nine disciples had tried to heal the boy and failed. But, why? With the authority of Jesus, they had exorcised demons during their recent mission trip (Mark 6:13). So why did they fail now? The passage indicates not only insufficient faith, but also misplaced faith. When they were alone, Jesus blamed a lack of prayer (Mark 9:29). Prayer fosters dependence on God and His power. Lack of prayer reveals an attitude of self-sufficiency. Perhaps their past “success” had fostered pride, which caused them to battle the demon under their own power. And they lost the fight.

In contrast, the father was helpless and he knew it. Although he confessed weak faith, he humbly asked Jesus to strengthen it, to ease his doubts. The father brought everything to Jesus. He brought his sick son. He brought his hopelessness. He bought his fledgling faith. He even brought his doubts.

But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:22b-24, ESV

Jesus encouraged the father to embrace faith. “All things are possible for one who believes” (vs 23). “Possible” does not mean that we can dictate God’s work through our “faith.” Just because God can do something doesn’t mean He will. It does means that God is able. Our desire for an outcome, no matter how much we believe, will not override God’s plans and purposes. But, we can rest in the truth that God’s work does not depend on the size of our faith, but on His power and grace.

Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can either weaken it by independence and self-reliance or we can strengthen it through use. Let’s ask God for opportunities to build our faith. And when they come, may we exercise dependence on the One who is always able.

Have you been trying to undertake some ministry or work for God under your own strength? If so, confess your independence to God and submit to total dependence on Him.

Lord God, I confess feelings of independence and self-sufficiency. All things are possible only because You hold all power and authority. Help me depend fully on You at all times. Strengthen my faith where it is weak. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Kathy’s bio:

A former “cultural Christian,” Kathy Howard now has a passion for God’s Word that’s contagious. With more than 30 years of experience, Kathy has taught the Bible in dozens of states, internationally, and in a wide range of venues including multi-church conferences and large online events. Kathy, who has a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, is a devotional and Bible study author. She also writes for multiple online magazines and devotional sites. Kathy and her husband live near family in the Dallas/Ft Worth. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and two accidental dogs. Kathy provides free discipleship resources and blogs regularly at www.KathyHoward.org. Kathy’s new 40-day devotional book, Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark, is available now!

Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark

Foster a delight for God’s Word that keeps you rooted and growing. Want to experience regular spiritual nourishment from the Bible, but not sure how to start? Deep Rooted, a 40-day devotional journey through the life and ministry of Jesus, will show you how to interact with and apply Scripture, not just read it. These meaty, daily devotions, which are based on the 4 R Bible study framework, is designed to help you:

Develop a regular habit of spending quality time in God’s Word
Know Jesus more fully and intimately
Learn how to dig into Scripture on your own
Be transformed by God’s Word, not just informed
Practically live out the truths you discover in Scripture

In Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark, Kathy Howard’s seminary education, passion for God’s Word, and vast Bible teaching experience come together in a unique devotional experience. Finally, a daily devotional with some meat on its bones! Get your copy of “Deep Rooted!”

No More Lies

“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness’” Hebrews 3:7-8 (ESV)

Tricky, Tricky

My mind can play tricks on me. Living during a time of social distancing and isolation, I have found that I have needed to be intentional with my thoughts. Keeping them stayed on God’s truth. When I don’t, I doubt. When I doubt, I drift. When I drift, I fail. When I fail, I feel tempted to give up. Then the still small voice of the Holy Spirit whispers gently,

Uncertain Times…A Certain God

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” James 1:2 (ESV)

Is this Good?

You know what? Sometimes I’m not good.

There was a time not too very long ago that I was sitting at my kitchen table. It was early morning and my coffee was divine! But it was raining for like the 10th day in a row. You all might remember this time – it was the Spring of 2019, and many of the farmers in Michigan couldn’t get the crops planted.

Hope Lives

Then

What do you know…it is raining again in Southeast Michigan?! The dampness creeps into my muscle and joints reminding me that my body is not where I want it to be. I want to be healed of this rheumatoid. I want to be free of the drudgery of pain. The hovering clouds remind me that my mind is sometimes gray like the day. The heaviness that sits in the air reminds me of the weight of the history of my sinful patterns.

The Dove: Familiarity of Captivity or Remembrance of Freedom

“Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.” Genesis 8:12 (ESV)

Familiarity of Captivity

Are you in an uncomfortable situation? Longing for something more? Are you held captive by your “what-ifs”? Sister, this happens to me all the time!

The Yoke: Bondage or Liberation?

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

What is a Yoke?

According to Merriam-Webster.com, a yoke has several definitions: 1) a frame fitted to a person’s shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions, or 2) an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person.