
Over the years, I have seen how hard it is to react out of my faith rather than my fears. But this can be done. I haven't gotten it all perfected, but Lucado has certainly challenged me to continue my journey, combating fear by trusting God rather than myself. One way I try to keep myself in check is to ask/remind myself daily of the question, "Do I respond more out of fear of failure, rejection, calamity, or out of the power of the risen Christ in me?" God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control (2 Timothy 1: 7). WOW! Can you imagine your life without fear? Make sure you get a copy of Lucado's book Fearless. It is truly life changing. It is truly a tool to show you a life of freedom - free of our fears. Read it yourself, then share your copy with a friend.
I thought this book was time well spent. However, an older book by Lucado, A GENTLE THUNDER 'Hearing God through the storm' was much better. This book is easily broken into 2 halves. The first half, was like music to my ears. He nurtures a love for God by expressing how God walks with us in our daily lives; citing examples of His compassion and kindness. The second half, was an appeal to non-Christians, to hear the call to join us. Admittedly, the second half was not written for me; for the first half was without a doubt some of the finest writing I have ever enjoyed.
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