Fear is powerful. It can keep us from responding to God's call on our lives. Just as importantly, fear, coupled with pride, can keep us from taking advantage of opportunities from which we can benefit.
This morning I met with a representative at Piedmont United Way to get educated about all the programs in Culpeper to help those who need a hand. I was truly amazed at all of the programs that are in place through government agencies, churches, ministries and other non-profit groups that are in place simply to help people. There is no justifiable reason for sincere people in our community to remain in need with all of these opportunities for assistance in place.
Of course, fear keeps people where they are... hungry, lonely and in need. It's fear of the unknown, fear of rejection that keeps them down and out. It's fear and pride together that can shackle a person to poverty with no hope of freedom.
The same is true in our lives as Christians. We see where God is calling us to, but we remain still out of fear and pride. What if I fail? What will other people think?
Honestly, there are too many "what ifs" in life to consider. We need to stop being afraid of the unknowns and walk by faith, not by sight. We need to stop worrying about what other people think because all of us need help from time to time. God wants us to use every available resource that we have to enjoy an abundant life, including assistance programs. We need to stop fearing failure in our lives because failure is inevitable. It's what we do with that failure - how we respond and learn from it - that's important.
Let's open our eyes and recognize the resources around us. Let's recognize them for what they are: opportunities for us to become who God wants us to be.
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