So sometimes.. scratch that, a lot of the time, I feel like a big wimp when it comes to living the Christian life.  

Honestly, there is so much that I am afraid of...  Hmmm, let's see.  I'm afraid of failure!  I'm scared that you won't like me.  I'm afraid of tons of other stuff too.   

Can I get an amen? 

Well, I ate lunch with a friend today who talked about the possibility of dying.  He claimed (as the Bible does) that the instant he dies, he will be found in the burning presence of God, the eternal Judge, without fear!  Without fear?  Yes, without any fear - only because of what Christ has accomplished!  Therefore, in Jesus, we can die without fear holding us down like a giant bully.

My friend went on to say, with a smile on his face, "If I can die without fear, I should live without it as well!" 

It is true, until Jesus comes back, we will struggle with fear.  BUT, we are free to struggle with it.  We are able more and more to cling to the promises of God and the finished work of Christ in order that we might say, "If God is for me, who can be against me?"

Remember that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect!  That means that we are NOT defined by our fear (or any other weakness) but rather we are defined by Christ - being found in UNION with HIM!