According to Merriam-Webster, the word FEAR is defined as follows: to be afraid of (something or someone); to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant); to be afraid and worried.
According to the fabulous Merriam, the word INSECURE is defined as follows: not confident about yourself or your ability to do things well; nervous and uncomfortable; not certain to continue or be successful for a long time; not locked or well protected.
These are two words I often use to describe me when I'm challenged to do something new, to step out of my comfort zone. But when I took a good long look at these words and their definitions, I felt they didn't describe me at all! They might describe how I may feel with the unfamiliar but they certainly don't define me. In that moment I realized a critical truth -- those words are poison.
Scripture says,
"Words kill, words give life;Words which tear down don't have to be spoken and directed towards another human being to be lethal. Words you speak to yourself, whether a new habit or words you've heard since childhood, can be either life giving or life ending.
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose." (Pr 18:21 Msg)
Want to know what words I'm savoring now?
CHOSEN: one who is the object of choice or of divine favor; an elect person
FAVORED: given special advantages over others; preferred over others; considered most likely to win.
As a woman who follows Jesus and trusts His Word, I believe what Scripture says when it reads I am CHOSEN, called out of darkness into light (1Peter2:9). I was selected, elected. I have divine favor. How? Through baptism in Christ, I chose to leave the old life behind and go the direction of new. I was given a spirit of power and love, not fear and timidity (2Tim 1:7).
I have chosen Jesus and believe what He accomplished with His death on the Cross was for me...and you. And because I believe in His Resurrection, I can confidently say nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). I believe when I choose to battle the chains of bondage of poisonous words, I am FAVORED to win.
You are too. Let us choose our words wisely.
