Someone has stated, “You may worry about being judged, failing publicly, or being seen as “not enough.” That fear can quietly shape your actions. It convinces you to play small, avoid risk, or hide your fullest talents. Many people do not realize how much of their life is dictated by the invisible barrier of self-doubt. Rejection closes a door outside of you. Fear closes the doors inside of you.” (George Addair)
How we are seen and how we see ourselves can be quite different. However, remembering how we are seen by God is where our focus really needs to rest. There are those who will criticize and judge us regardless of what we do. Let us not allow that to cause us to lose our sense of significance to God and the reality of His power at work in and through us. (i.e. Ephesians 3:20)
Paul reminded Christians at Ephesus. . .
“(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
We were created on purpose and for a purpose. It is in the works of that purpose that we are to walk as we trust the equipping God provides.
While encouraging the young evangelist Timothy in his continued ministry, Paul stated. . .
“(6) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, (7) for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 ESV)
Though rejection of others may close the door of opportunity with them, let us not allow fear and what others think close the door within us to being compelled by faith and a heart for service to engage in the works God will make us enough to fulfill. Let us continue allowing God’s power to compel us from within! Let love for God and others continue moving us into action! And let us demonstrate self-control by not allowing other’s responses to diminish our motivation as we continue being receptive to the influence of God’s Spirit in the actions of our life!
As we give of what God has given and give of ourselves, let us be encouraged by God’s ability as Paul noted. . .
“(
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV)
May the actions of our life be dictated by the adequacy God brings!
Have a great day WITH FEAR REPLACED BY FAITH IN THE ADEQUACY OF GOD!
Carl
