Comments on: Much Fear in Many Churches

By: Darryl

Darryl — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:30:21 +0000

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” Wow. Thanks Jennifer and Jim for those comments! I am going to really have to reflect on this question.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:23:42 +0000

Jennifer,
What a good question! “What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” When I read your question, I knew that I needed to really think through this. Is there some behavior that God is calling me to that I am avoiding because the fear of failing is much stronger than my desire to yield to his wishes or to accept this opportunity to be used by him. Thanks for this Jennnifer.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:19:17 +0000

Thank you Denise for your thoughts and for your desire to live in God’s presence, depending upon him to sustain you. Your willingness to make yourself available for ministry will be met by his faithfulness.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:16:01 +0000

Paps, thanks you for your kind words regarding this blog. I’m glad that you read this blog and that you made this comment. I love this quote by Luther. I’ve not heard this one before. Thanks so much.

By: Denise

Denise — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:46:11 +0000

This string has been such a God send to me. Thanks Jennifer for your thoughts-they came just as I was about to close email and head out the door for my daily walk. I happened to have taught James 1:1-18 over one week ago to our ladies class on asking God’s wisdom and persevering through tough times. So in true fashion, God allowed a test to come my way. Last night I walked through some treacherous ground listening to a dear sister wondering whether to give counsel, all the while praying for God’s wisdom. Goodness, how much I need the Lord and how I am thankful for the unexplainable Power that raised Jesus when I see it at work in my life. I saw His grace covering our conversation and yet wonder if some of my words were truly His or if they were from my failed wisdom. And yet, in it all, His mercies are being renewed in me today; He will, in a sense, separate the wheat from the chaff of that conversation and teach me further. He always does. I just cannot explain it, but I do recognize when He is working and all I can do is praise Him. I am lifting all of you who are God’s ministers and teachers in prayer. You all are all precious. Without all of your thoughts and comments I would not have grown a bit more the last week. Thank you.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:47:48 +0000

A friend got me a plaque last year that says, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” It’s been a great inspiration as I tredge this journey of God digging through my fear. But now I’m moving forward, because this quote reminds me that my fear of failing is what holds me, paralyzes me like Martin Luther said in that above quote. I don’t want to be that example to my son, not to any of the young women I mentor. And I don’t think the idea is that I won’t ever fail, because I do, but just to not let the fear of it hold me back from doing anything (meeting new people, calling to get together, starting a new exercise pattern, being more disciplined in my time with the Lord, you name it). As I read in someone’s bathroom a couple days ago, it’s not that we fail, but that we get up after we do. Fear has been such a companion to me, and I just am tired of it being such a downer.

By: Paps

Paps — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:10:24 +0000

Jim, am glad i met you. Your articles have been sooo inspiring that sometimes i share them on Facebook & its such a blessing!
I love this quote by Martin Luther on fear:
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
No wonder the Bible says fear is a torment!

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:52:44 +0000

Brian, I am glad you wrote. The atmosphere that you describe is tough and would be discouraging. Many people live and try to function in such an atmosphere. Nevertheless, I am grateful that you wrote and expressed this. (I think that Darryl has a good reply.)

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:50:23 +0000

Darryl, very good comment and think that many, many parents of young adults can relate to what you have said. How do I behave when they make choices that are godly and good and yet not necessarily what I would have done? How will I manage myself in such a relationship?

By: brian

brian — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:52:09 +0000

Very true. I didn’t intend to impugn only one side. The fear of apostasy (which def can happen)is rooted in our heritage and our constitutional theology