UNAFRAID
He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” Gen 3:10 (MSG)
When God made man, He said, “let us make man in our own image and likeness and let them rule”. God’s original intent has not changed. He still wants us to operate in dominion, authority and power. God placed Adam in the garden and gave him work to do; it was to take care of the garden. All of Adam’s needs were met. God then created Eve and brought her to Adam. Adam had a great relationship with God and a thriving relationship with another human, Eve. The Bible says both were naked and felt no shame. There was no shame, no guilt, no doubt and no fear. Adam and Eve were in perfect union with God and with each other.
This was and still is God’s desire for us; union with Him and fellowship with others and then together we go on to change the world. However, Satan deceived Adam and Eve. They ate the fruit in disobedience to God and their eyes were opened. It was at this point that they began to walk in the flesh, and the environment began to dominate them. Then they covered themselves with leaves and hid from God when they heard Him come into the garden. Adam said “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid”. This is the first mention of fear in the Bible and it came as a result of sin and separation from God. Since then, all kinds of fears have plagued humans, all because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
What does this mean?
This means you have a choice to make today. The fear of rejection drives us to hide. The fear of failure stops us from taking up challenges and the fear of the unknown stops us from stepping out of our comfort zone. Fear is an incapacitating force. Fear can stop the strongest person in their tracks. Some are afraid that they might never get married or they may not succeed in life. Others are afraid that they may die. Many others walk daily in the torment that fear brings. Fear often keeps us from doing the things that we should.
Is there someone you need to talk to today? Is there a new assignment you need to take on? A trip you need to make? Some conversation that needs to be had? Are there issues you need to deal with? Do not allow fear to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. Jesus came that we might live life fully. Do not let fear keep you from enjoying life in Christ.
Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin when He died on the cross. Through His sacrifice, we are restored to a thriving relationship with God. We can walk in dominion, in power and in authority. Our call is either to accept Jesus’ finished work on the cross and live the fearless life, or like Adam and Eve after the fall, accept the position of separation from God and live a fearful and defeated life.
Confession
- With God on my side, I am fearless, and afraid of no one and nothing.
- I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
- God is my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, I will not fear.
Conclusion
May we all have the courage to dare to do the big things and even the small things God is calling us to do. God calls us to courage and confidence in Him. My prayer for you is that you will live a fearless life in Christ.
Further Study
Psalms23: 4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+23%3A4&version=NIV
Psalms 56: 3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+56%3A3&version=NLT
Romans 8:15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A15&version=NLT
Psalm 27:1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms+27%3A1&version=NLT
Song
All that matters