Through Fear

Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship and by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

First of all, sorry it's been a while since I've blogged. Life happens and I've unfortunately let too many things be distractions. But all is well.

I love this verse! It reminds me of so many things... what God has given us - a spirit of freedom (not to be a slave again to fear!) and a spirit of sonship. I'm realizing the more I dig into His word and what He says about fear that He constantly reminds us about who He is. Hmmm - that's the point!

I love it when our sweet Heavenly Father chooses to use children to show us more about his character and his plans. Here are some recent experiences that have wowed me lately.

I was picking Ian up from daycare one day. He had had one of those days. His teacher told me she had asked him to pick up the puzzles that he'd dumped out and put the car he was playing with away. I proceeded to urge him to do the same and he says to me with car in hand, "But, mommy, I don't know where the car goes." I told him to put it on the table next to his teacher so we could start picking up the puzzles. These weren't your normal puzzles - they were wooden and layered with several pictures on top of one another. I was having difficulty figuring them out, much less my nearly 4 year old son! Anyway, his excuse for not picking up the puzzles was that he didn't know how to put them together. We miraculously put the puzzles together and headed home for a great night.

On the way home, my sweet Heavenly Daddy whispered to me, "Not knowing what to do and doing nothing is not obedience. Do something." I reflected on my experience with Ian and saw the direct parallel. So often I let fear of making a mistake or making the wrong decision overpower me. Then I do nothing because I'm in the bondage of fear which ultimately results in disobedience. Now, I don't want to be foolish and just do anything because it's something, but I don't need to get stuck in a comfort zone of no action either.

Then, Sunday morning was Ian's first time singing in "big church". I missed it - was late getting to worship from my 9am ministry service. After all my tears of missing one of Ian's firsts, I got to hear all about it through my wonderful husband's eyes. Thank you, honey! As Scott shares the details of the experience, his eyes light up with pride and excitement. I asked Scott, "Did Ian see you?" Scott said yes and went on to tell me that Ian told his teacher near him while pointing at Scott, "There's my daddy!" Because we both serve the same Holy Spirit, He gently gave both of us this word, "That's how I feel when you give me the credit for working in, through and for you." Oh how God loves it when we say, "That's my daddy!"

So here is the challenge for us now:
Are you choosing (knowingly or unknowingly) to live in a spirit of fear, which results in no action (maybe even just a comfortable life), which equates to disobedience?

Ask God what living in the spirit of sonship looks like for you today? I think you'll be surprised how extravagantly he loves you and cherishes you. If you're not ask him to show you specifically and then be looking for ways (even in little things) he shows you.

How have you given God praise lately for who he is and what he's doing through and for you?

I'm so glad that God frequently reminds me of his sovereignty and power so I can remember who is in control - and thank you, Jesus, it's not me!

Sisters, be bold - be brave - be you!

Love & Prayers,
Kim