Wednesday, March 01, 2006

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real

Have you ever been afraid of something? I'm not talking about being afraid of the dark or of loud noises. I am talking about being absolutely terrified to do something.

Did you know the number one fear of all Americans is public speaking? People are more afraid of what other people might think of them than they are of what will happen to them when they die. It just doesn't make any sense.

Most of the things we are afraid of trace directly back to our fear of failure and rejection--our fear of actually being seen for who we are. But it is in being seen that we are released from our fears and free to live life as it was meant to be lived.

Just this last week I was thinking of the woman with the issue of the flow of blood who came to Jesus for healing (Luke 8:43-48). Afraid to be seen she reached out and touched the hem of his garment when nobody was looking--and she was healed.

But Jesus knew she needed more than healing--she needed freedom. She needed to be called out, she needed to be seen.

Turning around He asked, "Who touched me?" The Bible says, "when the woman saw that she was not hidden she came trembling and falling down before Him" (v. 47). Talk about fear!

Have you ever been so afraid of being seen for who you truly are that you found yourself trembling? If so, take comfort in Jesus' answer to this woman.

"Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace" (v. 48).

Sometimes we cry out to God for healing, and He gives us something more: validation. Calling this woman out of the crowd gave her value and worth. And then--in front of everyone--He spoke tender words of affirmation to her. Chances are, in that moment the One who healed her body also healed her soul.

Are you afraid of being seen? Are you in need of healing? If so, come before God openly and honestly. He will speak words of affirmation over you and He will give you permission to go forward in peace.

~Shannon
shannon@shannonkubiak.com

No comments: