Series: Defining Moments. Week 3: The Moment that Makes a Difference
“The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.” –Walt Disney
2 Timothy 2:1-7
It may seem obvious, but to go somewhere else, you have to leave where you are. To go somewhere else, you have to leave what’s known, what’s comfortable, what’s predictable, and what’s easy. To step toward your destiny, you might have to step away from your security.
But fear keeps us from moving forward. And fear comes suddenly sometimes. The disciples found this out on the sea of Galilee: getting on board with Jesus can mean rough seas and heavy winds.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
- Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness. It unleashes a swarm of doubts, anger-stirring doubts.
- Fear turns us into control freaks, because, at its center is a perceived loss of control. When life spins wildly, we grab for a component of life we can manage. The more insecure we feel, the meaner we become.
- Fear creates a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good God is.
- When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life. The fear-filled can’t love deeply. Love is risky.
3 Truths of Choosing to be a Courageous Christian
Truth #1 – Courageous Christians Gain Steadfast Strength and Wisdom from the Lord – 2 Timothy 2:1,7
Truth #2 – Courageous Christians Teach Absolute Truth as Found in the Word of God – 2 Timothy 2:2
Truth #3 – Courageous Christians Live Life to Make a Kingdom Impact – 2 Timothy 2:3-6
Your decisions today, both big and small, determine the direction your life will take tomorrow. When life gets tough, and we know it will, how we respond can either build our faith and draw us closer to Christ or weaken our intimacy with Him as we slide in the wrong direction.
TRUTH: God Provides Strength for the Storm and Courage to Conquer the Chaos
Your decision to trust God in life’s storms may be one of the best ongoing choices you ever make.