Saturday, July 5, 2008

A New Creation

The old has gone the new has come... 2 Cor 5:17

Is this the recipe for freedom? Yesterday I was resisting something the Lord wanted me to do because I dont feel like I am "right for the job"and feel like I have botched it in the past. I don't want to experience the battle of fighting my fear. But He keeps pressing my heart.

This is such a weight sometimes. My fears and limitations that seem to crop up so...naturally. Old (natural) nature gone. New (spirit) nature here. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free, do not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. This is a command. DO NOT. Must mean Jesus is able to help me with the 'do not'.

So, everytime I submit myself to those fears and limitations, I am in sin. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Seems I have a faith problem.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

It seems the idol I need to smash is me. Self-reliance. Fear comes from looking at my own inabilities and limitations. Fear of failure, fear of rejection or ridicule. I must see myself in the shadow of the Almighty and filled with His Spirit. I must rely on Him for every breath and every word and every step I take. Keep my eyes fixed on Him.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:24,25

Me dead...Him alive...I walk by faith not by sight. I have died to the old nature I live by the Spirit.

So-practical steps to live free from the old. Trust and obey.
I recall the man who wanted healing for his son so badly, and Jesus said "if you believe..." and the man replied, "I believe, Lord help my unbelief!"

Here is where it's at: I need to ask Jesus for the faith and trust that He will give it to me. Then when He presses something on my heart that He wants me to do that makes me fearful, I will go ahead and allow Him to remove my fears. I must be sure that He will do it through me(what I hope for) and certain that He is faithful to perform what He has promised (certain of what I do not see).

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

A step of faith. One step puts in motion His freedom. I am able to overcome my fear by faith.

Lord, give me the faith to do your will. In Jesus' name and for your glory. Amen

5 comments:

Micca said...

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the recommendation on the book. It sounds great!

And what a great word you wrote for today! I feel so inspired!! I'd love for you to write a review on my book about "finding a faith stronger than all we fear" after it comes out!

Blessings!

Heather said...

This is the place to be: realizing our weaknesses and relying totally on His strength.

I needed to hear this today - everytime I submit myself to those fears and limitations, I am in sin. Ouch!

Tea with Tiffany said...

Amen to this. Fear and faith are always fighting. Trusting God is letting that fear go where it belongs. To the cross. At his feet.

Kathy, I love it when I see that God is speaking the same thing to people. It's so confirming and might I say even "comforting" at the risk of contradicting myself. Remember I said risk and comfort are opposites. :) I sure hope you are taking that step and finding such peace.

Have a good Tuesday!!

Hugs from Colorado,
Tiffany

Julie said...

Kathy, I loved this. I am learning how to live in the New Creation He has given to me. The more I "faint" in His arms and allow Him to do it all through me the more the old man dies and the new man emerges.

Thanks for sharing this..

Also thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments. I love having visitors and am happy you found me.

Julie
PS. I also love women's retreats and speaking truth.

Starr LaPradd said...

Fear is something I deal with a lot. I have suffered with panic attacks for years and years, But, I am finally learning exactly what you said. My self-absorption is the source of my fear. If I stay focused on God and what He has for me and His provision for my every need, I have no reason to fear. My panic attacks have ceased for the last 2 years because of this truth.
Thanks for your wonderful post today!
Love and Blessings,
Starr

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