Word for the day “Leaders must face their fears”
John 14 (NKJV) 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Beloved Leaders,
I submit to you reading today, Who or what are you afraid of? This is a very important spiritual question worth your consideration. One way to understand our lives is to look at those things that we value: wealth, power, privilege, honor, pleasure, family, and friendship. But another way is to turn that question around and determine what or who it is that we fear. Fear can hinder your life from the plan, purpose, and will that God has destined for your life.
THE LEADERS’ ASSIGNMENT IS TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMS.
In today’s devotional message, Jesus gives us an antidote for fear. One of a leader’s greatest assignments is to find solutions to problems. We can read and see fear being realized as a problem in this message. Fear can be a polarizing reality to confront, and we can see the disciples will learn a lesson on fear in today’s reading.
I’ve discovered and continue to learn that facing my fears periodically is an integral component of my maturation and life developmental process.
FEAR MUST BE CONFRONTED IN ORDER TO GROW AND EXPERIENCE PEACE.
I realize being honest about what you fear isn’t easy, especially when it makes you uncomfortable with your personal reality. We might fear the loss of material things, the loss of a job, the loss of physical health, the loss of esteem, the loss of personal intimacy, or ultimately, the loss of life itself. We are afraid of many things, but I’d be willing to concede that there is a primary or principal about this lesson on fear we can learn for our lives.
Now, after identifying that fear in your life, listen to Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Any and all of the things that we customarily fear—loss of money, fame, pleasure, and power—have to do with this world. What Jesus is saying is that we should not let those fears come to dominate or define our lives, for if God be for us and with us—with him is his peace (Romans 8:31).
In other words, trusting and ultimately releasing our fears to God can actually empower our lives through the power of fear over us. Greater is the power of God in us than any power coming against us in this case “Fear” (I John 4:4).
POINT TO PONDER
Whatever has caused fear to be activated in your life? I pray you to trust and turn it over to the Lord and find the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-8). The acronym for “Fear” Face-Everything-And-Rise!!!
· What are you in fear of right now?
· How do you plan to confront your fear?
· Does today’s message provide any guidance for you?
· Did you realize you can address your fears with the Lord?
· Is it time to seek help and support for your fear challenge?
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in July 2023, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mr. Brent Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Mr. William Buchanan Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Ollie Tipton, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and, . Ms. Gertrude Scott, Pastor Raymond, and Mrs. Ranghill-Philip.
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Kingdom Blessings,