There is NO Fear

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear: because fear has

torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.”1 John 4:18

We are mortal; therefore, we fear! This is such an unfortunate truth and leads to a future of doubt, sorrow, and disappointment. God created us; God loves us; we will come to no harm! Everywhere we turn there are factors that hang on us making us fear. My wife and several of my friends fear going anywhere because of the gun violence we are experiencing. I understand; this is troubling.

When I was in my twenties, serving in the military, I feared going to war; not because I may be killed, but because I might come home physically debilitated and forced to live a life of abandonment. So, I understand fear. I try to comfort my brothers and sisters who fear. This is the mission God has given me in this chapter of my long life. I love serving God.

As I review my life, I see pleasures and disappointments, successes and failures, happy times, and sad times. One thing I noticed is that the better times alway followed and always erased those less than satisfying times. And I wondered why! When I reached my 50^th birthday, my heart was opened to a newness of life that I had never before experienced. I found purpose for my life!

I found what God wanted me to do all along. Not that the last thirty years had been a smooth ride, but when I opened my senses, my very being to the truth of God’s presence, I see reasons to rejoice. God blesses me with a life of fulfillment and loving service. I am much busier now as a retired person than I ever was when teaching. I am what God wants!

When you open your eyes, your minds, your hearts, you also will receive what is already there. I know people who struggle through life, and I know people who are highly successful financially. Those who understand God’s presence in their lives are comfortable with their position and their mission. Remember, Jesus had no money. He walked the earth walked living on God’s plenty. See what He did!  He loved! He changed the world.

Fear not for God is with you and loves you!

 Russell Kendall Carter