I've had the immense privilege of spending a week up in Illinois with a beautiful group of people who are so in love with the Son and who want to make much of Him in the world. I had no idea that my spirit was so longing to be filled with the encouragement and inspiration that these people brought to me. The Father definitely used them to affirm me of this calling, and all together we marveled at the tapestry He has woven with our lives.
We came together to begin our twelve week fundraising campaign that is going to launch us out into the world. It's insane to think that I probably never would have met them at any point in my life if it weren't for this incredible opportunity. We all come from different parts of the country, and we're being sent out into different parts of the world. The way He works is so mysterious and so good.
I honestly am very nervous about the idea of fundraising for several reasons. I'm a fairly independent person; I don't like asking for help. It's also nerve-wracking to think that I'm "putting myself at the mercy" of others; that I need them to be generous and believe in my ministry enough to send me--I think the biggest fear I face in this is being rejected. Actually, I think I can recover from that easier than if I were ignored, so I guess being ignored is worse.
It surprises me that I'm nervous because I know deep down that this is my next step. I am stepping into a calling I've had from a very young age, I'm taking a step of obedience into the very purpose I have been created for. And if this is His will, then He will provide. He is good, He is generous--there will be a way.
So with that, I guess I've been thinking about fear lately, especially what we do as a result of being afraid. We become small, we try to hide oureselves as we are. We doubt and forget hope, we act out of desperation as if we are going to run out of something or anything. But if the Father is Good, if He is over all and owns cattle on a thousand hills, if He is love--why be afraid when you are His?
There is no fear in love, but rather perfect love drives out fear
First, there is no fear in love. None whatsoever, it's not that fear is absent but that it does not exist. And what more, where there is fear, it is driven out by perfect love. How absolutely magnificent. So why am I afraid? Remember, continually offer your fear up and ask for faith--help my unbelief!
What happens when we act in love and act as the beloved? We step into the fullness of who we have always were made to be. We cast off whatever will deter us from the goal, we rejoice in hope, we will not be in want because He will supply our every need because He is limitless. We grow, we soar, and we are able to share this love with others and participate in driving out their fear. What a beautiful thought.
You once feared and His love drove it out. You are now full of love, and the appropriate response is to share that love with others, that in turn drives out the fear they have! This is the Good News: the Son has driven out fear and replaced it with love.
Being equipped to campaign this week was a joy and grew my confidence. Confidence in the vision of the work, confidence in His compassion and heart, confidence in inviting others to join in with me.