Today, we will look at some readings from the book of Hesitations. If you can't find it, it is right after the book of 2nd Opinions. It's there - you just have to look closely and you will find it.
To hesitate is to stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination. We often hesitate in making decisions, especially if it involves some level of risk. Undertaking a new venture often causes hesitation. Weighing out all the options and evaluating all the risks is a smart plan. But, sometimes, our hesitations keep us from taking risks or action. Fears play a big role in this. Being unsure of one's abilities or not seeing the end result can cause us not to move forward. Comfort in what we already know also plays a factor in us at times becoming indecisive.
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-
control." 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is a driving force in the world and in our lives. One just has to look at politics to see how fears are used and shaped to direct a desired result. It can be any kind of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of getting hurt (physically and/or emotionally), fear of abandonment, and fear of others are just a few examples of fears that cause us to not take risks.
That is not given to us from God as it states in 2 Timothy. Rather, we have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. These are the opposite of what fear produces.
It is said that perfect love casts out fear. When you feel loved by others and/or God, it is a little more difficult for the fears to trickle in. If you truly feel loved, you at least know you have the support of others which can give you the strength against those things which can cause fear. It is much easier to face your fears when you are a part of a supportive group, rather than being alone. There is also more of a willingness to risk when you are part of a group and/or feel the support of a number of people in your life.
God's love casts out fear. Sometimes, we are troubled when we are called to risk. There is doubt that God will not be there and abandon us to the whims of the world. We fail to risk because we are unsure of God's promises to us. It's something that we all do. The obstacles look insurmountable, the resistance we encounter is high, and we doubt our abilities. Normal human reactions that hinder us from taking risks. But, God's power is sufficient to overcome any obstacles we might face.
Think of it this way. What kind of God (who would want people to know Him) would put His followers in positions to constantly fail? Why would people want to follow a god that abandons them so easily? It makes no sense from our standpoint. Doesn't seem like the best plan to convert non-believers. Would make evangelism that much more difficult. "Hey! Let me tell you about who I follow - he's never come through for me" A good marketing pitch that is not. So, we need to believe that God will provide the means that we need to fulfill His plans. They might not always be what we expect, but they will be what we need.
It's also easier to risk when one has self-control. Self-control is defined as the ability to control one's desires and impulses or willpower. Fear comes into play when things feel chaotic or out of control. If a situation results in you losing your head - you will be more and more unlikely to take risks. If you are not in control of yourself, then it will be much easier to be rocked by the world around us and know fear. There's a reason it is said many times to us in the bible to not be afraid. God knows us and therefore equips us to help us overcome fear. We just have to accept those free gifts He offers us. We don't need to hesitate any more.
To hesitate is to stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination. We often hesitate in making decisions, especially if it involves some level of risk. Undertaking a new venture often causes hesitation. Weighing out all the options and evaluating all the risks is a smart plan. But, sometimes, our hesitations keep us from taking risks or action. Fears play a big role in this. Being unsure of one's abilities or not seeing the end result can cause us not to move forward. Comfort in what we already know also plays a factor in us at times becoming indecisive.
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-
control." 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is a driving force in the world and in our lives. One just has to look at politics to see how fears are used and shaped to direct a desired result. It can be any kind of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of getting hurt (physically and/or emotionally), fear of abandonment, and fear of others are just a few examples of fears that cause us to not take risks.
That is not given to us from God as it states in 2 Timothy. Rather, we have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. These are the opposite of what fear produces.
It is said that perfect love casts out fear. When you feel loved by others and/or God, it is a little more difficult for the fears to trickle in. If you truly feel loved, you at least know you have the support of others which can give you the strength against those things which can cause fear. It is much easier to face your fears when you are a part of a supportive group, rather than being alone. There is also more of a willingness to risk when you are part of a group and/or feel the support of a number of people in your life.
God's love casts out fear. Sometimes, we are troubled when we are called to risk. There is doubt that God will not be there and abandon us to the whims of the world. We fail to risk because we are unsure of God's promises to us. It's something that we all do. The obstacles look insurmountable, the resistance we encounter is high, and we doubt our abilities. Normal human reactions that hinder us from taking risks. But, God's power is sufficient to overcome any obstacles we might face.
Think of it this way. What kind of God (who would want people to know Him) would put His followers in positions to constantly fail? Why would people want to follow a god that abandons them so easily? It makes no sense from our standpoint. Doesn't seem like the best plan to convert non-believers. Would make evangelism that much more difficult. "Hey! Let me tell you about who I follow - he's never come through for me" A good marketing pitch that is not. So, we need to believe that God will provide the means that we need to fulfill His plans. They might not always be what we expect, but they will be what we need.
It's also easier to risk when one has self-control. Self-control is defined as the ability to control one's desires and impulses or willpower. Fear comes into play when things feel chaotic or out of control. If a situation results in you losing your head - you will be more and more unlikely to take risks. If you are not in control of yourself, then it will be much easier to be rocked by the world around us and know fear. There's a reason it is said many times to us in the bible to not be afraid. God knows us and therefore equips us to help us overcome fear. We just have to accept those free gifts He offers us. We don't need to hesitate any more.
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