“And now the breathalyzer test!”
Our entire family dutifully obeyed. We understand the necessity of this test since one cannot be even slightly inebriated when climbing! Our family was preparing to participate in one of the great tourist attractions in Australia, climbing the great Sydney Harbour bridge. For about ninety minutes, several experienced guides would lead us along a walk under and on top of the world’s largest steel arched bridge, a peak of over 400 feet above the water. The only problem, I had a deathly fear of heights but in spite of this, I was able to complete the activity. Numerous precautions were in place with guidewires and the guides helping along the way. It was a healthy dose of fear knowing what could happen if I did not follow the rules but also a great sense of comfort knowing that a very strong tether was attached to a guidewire and to our guides. In the end, I had a wonderful experience and even managed to conquer some of my acrophobia!
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
Acts 9:31 (ESV)
When fear is the only motivating force, it may exacerbate one’s insecurities and weaknesses, often resulting in failure. Knowing there is no possible way to fail is a great comfort. Fear and comfort need to be mated. My relationship with God is very similar. If I only lived in the fear of punishment by serving God, my service to Him would be timid and powerless. I would be paralyzed with the thought that I would be disappointing Him and His Church family. Thankfully, through God’s grace and mercy, He provides the tether, the unbreakable guidewire-the Holy Spirit, the Great Comforter. It is when I disobey God and seek to walk without His Comfort, that fear once again grips me and I am certain to fail.
Walking in the fear and comfort of God, this is always the foundation for success!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 