Here at GCM, we are faith filled, multiplying, obedient risk-takers for Jesus. Every one of our disciple makers from the most seasoned to the newest learns to face the fears that come in their lives for the sake of the gospel going forth. Scripture tells us that we have not been given a spirit of fear and we are all continually learning what it looks like to not walk under the spirit of fear, but rather one of faith. One of our more recent disciple makers experienced this firsthand.
Mahdis lived a life of severe depression and satanic worship. She coped with her depression through dark spirituality, revering the satanic star she kept in her bedroom.
One of her greatest fears centered around a traumatic event from her childhood. During a riot her father was taken by security agents and beaten to within an inch of his life. Since then she has had a deep fear of large crowds and riots of any kind because it reminds her of that event from her childhood. The place where she lives has experienced an increase in protests and the fear of what could happen was becoming stifling for Mahdis. She wanted nothing more than to hide herself away and stay safe from the dangerous crowds.
That all changed when she met Jesus. From the moment she was introduced to the stories, she threw out the star in her bedroom and immediately began to share the stories with her family and friends. They noticed the change in her right away and many were receptive to what she had to say. The girl who had lived for years under a cloak of fear and depression was suddenly outspoken and courageous. She experienced peace for the first time and credits her encounter with God with saving her life.
The same girl who was once silenced by fear of large crowds no longer gives a thought to whatever danger she may face. In fact, the dream of her heart now is to be like the Samaritan woman, telling everyone what God did for her and how He saved her (John 4:5-30). Her encounter with Jesus and her continued walk with Him has led her into a freedom and boldness that she had never experienced before.
Mahdis is just one example of what it looks like to be an obedient risk-taker for Jesus. We don’t put ourselves in dangerous situations for the sake of risk, but we will go to the ends of the earth for Jesus. Like Paul we must learn to count our lives as nothing, prizing the gift of knowing Jesus and the eternal life we have found in Him far above whatever temporary life we can find on earth.
So often the area of our greatest fear is the very area God longs to use us most. We can not overcome this fear by sheer force of will but by submitting wholeheartedly to God and His plans for us. We must invite Him into our areas of trepidation and ask for faith, knowing that what we ask for we receive (John 14:13). It’s a dying world in desperate need of the very truth we hold. As disciple makers, all of us must be ready to multiply at all times, in all situations, whatever the risk.
What fear is holding you back and how can you invite Jesus into it today? When He asks who will go and who He can send, we must be ready with Isaiah to say here am I, send me.
