Becoming a Fearless Lion Hugger
What are you supposed to do when a bear or a lion or another large predator happens to be around you? You’re supposed to remain still, calm, and show no sudden movements. You’re never supposed to run away and you are not to show any fear (http://www.wikihow.com/Escape-from-a-Bear, http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Lion-Attack). Showing fear, especially by suddenly running or shouting or shaking, will awaken the animals predator instincts and you will likely be attacked. But if you do not show fear, then the animal will likely just ignore you. If you are completely devoid of fear, then instead of being attacked you might actually be loved like this guy…
1John 4:18 says that there is no fear in love and that perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Fear is the opposite of love. Fear causes insecurity. Fear causes stress and sickness. Fear breeds distrust. Fear is all a result of sin. If you can fully remove fear, then what you have left is perfect, pure love. Love breeds confidence. Love brings peace and health. Love builds trust. Love is a gift from God.
Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
I love the wording in that verse: when you walk through the fire. Notice we aren’t supposed to run through the fire. We aren’t supposed to be living in fear or anxiety. When the fire comes, we just keep walking. When the tidal waves of life come upon us, we are called to just pass right through. There is no fear in love. It’s when we are so set in God’s love that the flames of this world can’t touch us. Things that seem to have been meant to hurt and destroy us end up blessing us (Romans 8:28). With God’s love, everything will be okay.
Next time something happens in your life that evokes any fear or anxiety, remember the lion hugger. What seems like it’s meant to hurt or overwhelm you is actually going to end up blessing you. There is no fear in love. Just walk through the fire. Enjoy the experience. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
