A friend once asked me, “What is the opposite of love?”
I quickly answered, “Hate.”
“Nope, fear.”
“Wait, what?”
He proceeded to explain this concept to me and I have carried this with me since that day. Love is a motivator but hate is also a motivator. Both are fueled by passion and both give source to things that are either life giving or life taking. However, fear is a paralyzer. It keeps us from pursuing things, keeps us stuck in the rut of doubt and bondage.
The longer I dwell on this concept, the more accurate it becomes and the more my heart truly believes this. Fear is addressed 365 times in the Bible by our Father. He strongly encourages us not to fear and lovingly explains that fear is not from Him. Fear can only be from the enemy for there is no fear in love. (1 John 4:18)
So why does the enemy commonly use fear against us? Because it stops us, it paralyzes us from seeking the amazing gifts that Abba has in store for us. It tricks us and makes us think we need to do more works, we need to be better at “being a Christian” before we can receive any good from our Father. It keeps us from coming to Him and it keeps us from pursuing dreams and desires in our hearts, worried that it is not what God has called us to. It’s the perfect tactic for the enemy.
I have fallen to this fear and have been attacked by the enemy over this last month. However, I serve a greater God who has used His perfect love to cast out my fears. After breaking strongholds in my life and boldly going to Father with the deep cares of my heart, He taught me something. He taught me my purpose, as well as yours.
Our purpose is to only be a son or daughter of God. It is not to do works, perform miracles, or preach to millions. It is simply to sit and be in His presence and allow Him to love us and RECEIVE that love. He created us to be loved by Him. Out of that love comes our desire to love Him back. Out of our love for Him comes the act of loving others and living out Kingdom.
Our goal each day should be to sit and focus on Abba so intently that we become His mirror. That His image will reflect off of us unto the world and through that, we expose our Father’s dreams, character, and love in different ways to all those we come into contact with.
The desires and dreams of your heart, well those are there because Father put them there. Don’t be afraid to go after them and chase them, as long as your focus is on Him, you can’t fall out of His will, for He gave us free will. St. Augustine wrote “Love God and do what you will.” For if the first command is truly followed, the second will follow after God’s will.
Fear no longer has a stronghold in my life. Instead, fear will now fear me and hell has something to be afraid of. For fear is now my motivating factor. For I now know that when there is fear, I should only run towards it with a warrior’s heart in complete pursuit of my Father.
By His Grace and For His Glory,
Bethany
