when opportunity knocks...

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."   
​-- 1 John 4:18 KJV

A few months ago one of our ministers did an exhortation called "The What Ifs." As she spoke, I began to reflect on all of the missed opportunities I had because of my "what ifs." I would ask, "What if everyone laughs at me? What if they don't receive me? What if they ignore me?" I missed opportunities to minister love to someone, because I was afraid of the outcome. When God gave me an assignment, I became so fearful that my stomach turned violently, and if you asked me a question, my mind went blank. It was horrible! I hated feeling this way, as if people's reactions meant more to me than God's voice. 1 John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love...perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." If we say we love God, but doubt His ability to use us, then we don't truly love Him. Instead, we put Him and ourselves in a box. God said He didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). He said that He would strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with the right hand of His righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). If we seek Him, He will hear us and deliver us from all our fears (Ps. 34:4). I choose to walk in His perfect peace and trust Him in every step I take. No more missed opportunities. 

*For more encouragement on overcoming fear, click here to listen to Apostle Curtis' "Another Goliath"