Daily Challenge #3

Good morning,

 

It's early. The sun has not even risen, and I'm already eager to send out this challenge.

 

I was reading something this morning and wanted to share it with you.

 

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " 1 John 4:18

 

"You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" ¹⁸ But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. ¹⁹ You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. ²⁰ Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet among them until even the survivors who hide from you have perished. ²¹ Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God." Deut. 7:17-21

 

What is it that you fear? What do you worry about? Where does your anxiety stem from? What is it in your life that is causing you to feel overwhelmed? Finances? Loneliness? Marriage troubles? Career decisions? Kids? Lack of kids? Bad habit or addiction?

 

There are 2 things for me: one is a financial strain, and two is a constant struggle to guide/train our boys to maturity in their faith and wisdom. So I need to memorize this verse for the confidence that comes in knowing that the God, who is with me (Emmanuel), will drive out my fear. I can be made complete in love when I trust in Him to meet my needs. Fear is a trust issue. Just a reminder that the Lord (the baby Jesus born in a barn) is a great and awesome God, powerful enough to drive out whatever is causing me pain and hurt and worry.

 

 

So our Challenge today is the memorize 1 John 4:18. Grab your journal and write it down. Think about the verse. Meditate on it - Envision God driving out your fears. Imagine him taking care of whatever your are worried about. Talk to him about what's bothering you.

 

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " 1 John 4:18

 

May you be released from the pain, hurt, and worry that evade your peace.

 

May you have enough courage to trust the GREAT and AWESOME God to deal with whatever is bothering you this day.