Have you ever been afraid of anything? Seems natural right? You would think fear keeps us alive, keeps out of dangerous situations, makes us more focused, probably more open to receive help, give us more clarity for what is important in our lives, it can set you free by pushing you to test your boundaries, it inspires some kind of action, and it can help build confidence. I am sure there are other benefits to fear, but when it becomes such that it inhibits our lives, that is when it is not good.
As Christians, our job is to get our there to teach Christ’s teachings , to make disciples and to baptize them in the name of the father, son, and holy ghost. Then these disciples are to repeat so that Christ’s teachings can spread throughout the world. However, there is a deep fear in most of us that prevents us from fulfilling this command and that is fear.
Both God and Christ said do not be afraid
Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27 New International Version (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Fear can cause us not to follow Gods commands. Fear can cause us to not deliver Christ’s messages to others that would have saved their lives. Fear can cause us to wonder what the world thinks versus what God thinks. There are so many things that fear can cause which is why we are instructed to no be afraid. I do not think God meant for us not to be afraid of a Grizzly Bear charging at you, but I also think that if we have enough faith that we can turn that bear away. I will be that is something most of us are not willing to test. Christ said we can move mountains
Matthew 21:21 New International Version (NIV)
21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Are you afraid? Are you lacking faith? It is never too late to change, but you will need Gods help. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior and pray to God to help you with your fear and/or faith. Just remember that if you do this, you may be challenged in ways you never dreamed. I suspect you will fail often in your journey, but do not be discouraged. Learn to take your failures to God and ask for forgiveness, pray, and do your best to repent.