No fear to speak

1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Tim McGraw sang a song in recent years about living like you were dying. It was about someone who had received bad health news and spent their remaining days doing their bucket list; riding bulls, jumping out of airplanes, loving like no tomorrow, living with no fear of tomorrow. The world injects fear into our every decision,but there is a freedom in the removal of that tool of Satan. How would you live if you had no fear? Fear is a compass to a degree that God designed in us, a compass called common sense; a compass that keeps us from borderline stupidity. There is a great deal of difference in the common sense God has given us, and the fear that Satan torments us with. If I were to simply reply to the scripture above in my defense of my faith, it would be the hope of heaven and the fear of hell. The hope of all that Jesus has rescued me from, and the fear of what would have happened if he didn’t. The hope of all that He opens my mind to in my heart through his Word, and the fear of all that awaits those in hell who do not know his Word. The hope of eternal paradise, the fear of eternal torment. The hope of sharing my faith, the fear of those who do not listen.

When you truly begin the “get it,” you will live with no fear as the country stars sings. You will live with a boldness that sends you upstream against the world. You will suffer for your faith, but even in that suffering you earn eternal blessings. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” What is the worst thing that can happen to you once you realize you are headed to heaven? What is the worst thing that can happen to you here temporarily, once you realize you are eternally rewarded by your temporary sufferings? Every, single, thing you endure here can be used to draw glory to God. There is nothing He has not designed or allowed that you will face. Once you realize that Satan had to ask permission for this trial you are under, you realize God has faith in you to endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Why worry what other people think? Why let Satan keep you silent today when the Holy Spirit prompts you to share your faith? Why worry if you will be labeled a Christians, or a Jesus freak, or a person that is shunned by those who live for the world. Why would you be ashamed of the faith you proclaim? Matthew 10:33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. The day is here, it is today that you are called to live out your faith where God has placed you to witness of him. Will you swim upstream against the world? Will you be bold and have no fear of what the world will think of you? Will you let God use you to draw others to himself? Will you speak?