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Trapped By Our Fear

So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' Matthew 25:25

Jesus told the story of three men who received talents. Two invested theirs wisely and doubled them; the third was afraid to take a risk so he buried his. When the master came looking for a return on his investment this timid soul said, 'I was afraid, and...hid your talent in the ground...' His master wasn't pleased. Listen: 'You wicked and lazy servant...you ought to have deposited my money...and... I would have received back...with interest... take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away' (Matthew 25:26-29). God expects a return on His investment in you! Part of fulfilling your calling means taking appropriate risks to maximize the opportunities you've been entrusted with. Playing at faith is not commendable, avoiding risk is not to be rewarded, living out of the fear of what others will think should not be what motivates us. Why does Jesus come down so hard on this issue? Because our loss isn't the only one suffered. Our loved ones also lose out when we don't pursue our dreams. There's a domino effect; others get cheated out of the greatness lying dormant within us. But it's not too late. Like Lazarus being called out of the grave, Jesus calls each of us today to step over our fear, take risks in obedience to faith, and experience the fullness of who God made us to be.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, perfect love casts out fear – thank you for your perfect love. Now please help me to cast away my fears. In Jesus’ Name, Amen