FEAR

Some would argue that it is an emotional response to a percieved threat. Some would say it is a sign of weakness. Others would say you should never trust it.

My heart goes out to the family members of the crew that was lost up in the Bering Sea this past week. The skipper had some reservations (fear) about piloting the Ranger. Have you seen this in the news?

Fear can save us.

Our brains have the ability to recall and use fear to keep us from getting hurt or being hurt again. A hot stove. A rattlesnake. People. You get the point. The amygdala, hypothalamus, ventral medial prefrontal cortex, all of these play a part in recall and reinforcement.

Fear can hinder us.

When we don't step out and take advantage of an opportunity. When we shrink back. When we hide behind. These times in life may call for us to have faith instead of fear. Courage is not the size of your heart, but actually a part of our brain that over-rides our fear.

God is big on faith. God uses fear to keep us from harm. God likes it when we put our faith in Him.

So, what do you do when you are fearful? Determine the source. Define it's reality or non-reality. Ask God for direction. Then make a decision based on that and move forward.

Things might look bleak or you may have lost it all, but don't let fear keep you from moving forward.

MTC!
Mark