Day 16 - Four Fears

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

Today's Devotional: There are four types of fears: fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of the unknown. It is very likely that you are struggling with one or more of these fears. These fears can paralyze you and keep you from God's best. Remember what 2 Timothy 1 says in that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

Response by: Brad Krebs
Fear of loss, failure, rejection, or unknown...

We had this discussion in our small group this week.  Which fear dominates our thoughts and our being?  I remarked that I struggle with loss, but I think I need to retract my statement.  I don't like loss.  I've experienced loss.  It hurts, and takes a long time to recover.  But loss, is not a fear that encompasses me.  It's not something that dominates my thoughts and my actions.  So, reflecting deeper, I think that my greater fear is failure.  But, it's still not the fear that overcomes me.  For me, it is the satisfaction of status quo, the pleasure of knowing that my life is ok for what it is now.  Why would I risk doing something may result in harm and pain if what I have now is perfectly fine?  That is probably the most dangerous way to view a fear.  We don't even acknowledge that there is fear.  It robs us of true greatness.

Instead of facing loss, we protect ourselves in such a way that we cannot even allow there to be a loss (except of freedom and peace)

Instead of possible rejection, we avoid situations in which we may be rejected; we live "contently" with what we have, instead of striving for what we want

Instead of facing the unknown, we plan everything "to a t" and avoid impromptu situations and spontaneity that can bring true joy and pleasure in ways that we have never experienced.

Look at what you want in life...  really look.  Don't be ok with status quo. Don't be content when God has much greater blessings out there.  Paul rights in the verses for today (2 Timothy 1) that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER! (and of love and of self-discipline).  What do you want?  What greater is out there waiting for you to conquer?

Bill Cosby (the theologian?) says it well: "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it".

Use the spirit God has given you, to conquer what you want!  God will give you the support to get there, or the support you and catch you if you don't!

May God give you the encouragement and the power to face your fears today!

Something to talk about: Which fears do you currently struggle with the most?