Fear

Fear. It's a big part of spiritual leadership. Ministry is full of fear: The fear of making a mistake; Fear of not measuring up ; the fear of no one showing up ( I call this CPS: Church Planter's Syndrome); the fear of failure; or the fear of what people will think of us if we DO fail! Fear is a big deal in life and ministry!

As I awoke early this morning and had time with the Lord, I stood in God's presence and reflected more on fear. These days, I have been leading all our leaders in the area of gutsy leadership. That is, leadership in the midst of fear. I know this doesn't sound academic, but "guts" is one of the most underrated qualities required, I believe, by great leaders in God's Kingdom. It hit me this morning, though, to have guts requires that I am tapped into God in deeper levels of intimacy and passion because those "guts" that I so often talk about come from a source outside of ourselves.

This past Sunday, I taught from I John 4 whereby the Word of the Lord says, "Perfect love drives out all fear." (I John 4:18) I think that is an incredibly pertinent verse during this particular season. I sense fear welling up throughout our land and now throughout the globe when it comes to the current financial crisis. Throw on top of that, the "hot potato" political season in which we find ourselves, and the stress level, laced with fear, is climbing. It is into these kinds of times that God's Word says, "Perfect love drives out all fear." (I John 4:18)

I'm always encouraged to know that I can struggle with fear at times and still be a great spiritual leader. Joshua, the leader who actually had the COURAGE to believe the Israelites could take the Promised Land, struggled with fear. God told him: "I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NLT).

Stepping into the Jordan, and then into the Promised Land took a lot of COURAGE for the Israelites. I'm sure they were still afraid, but COURAGE allowed them to move forward in the FACE of fear! Enveloped in God's love, they cast fear aside because His love always drives out fear! I think every spiritual leader needs to possess tons of guts/courage to be the leader. The very essence of leading requires that we take people into uncertain places where we've never even been ourselves.

So, regardless of who you are, if you're afraid today, welcome to the club. It is natural to be afraid from time to time. But, if you are a believer in God, be assured today that His love is far greater than your fear. Tap into His love and allow the Lord Jesus to drive your fear away as you rest securely in the arms of the Almighty!

Remember that the Lord YOUR God is with you wherever you go. That includes places you've never been before! So go for it!