FEAR is a significant obstacle to experiencing the fullness of God’s love in many Christian lives. There are different manifestations of fear; for example,

• the fear of being baptised by the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues
• the fear of surrendering all to God
• the fear of the consequences of being fully obedient
• the fear of the consequences of trusting God fully

It is important to know that any kind of fear that hinders us from moving to the next level with God in any area of life is an obstacle to experiencing His love.

Read Matthew 4:18–20, Mark 10:28–31, John 21:1–19

The Lord Jesus said to Peter and his brother, Andrew, “Come, follow me . . . and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

Peter obeyed. However, he had concerns about laying all down for Jesus (Mark 10:28). Nonetheless, he had a great life as a disciple.

But in the weeks preceding the account of John 21, things seemed to fall apart:

• The One who called him was no longer with them. The entire mission, as he knew it, no longer existed. Peter could no longer trust his calling. So he went back to his previous life.

But thanks be to Jesus, who did not leave him in that condition, for if He did, Peter would have missed out on the real meat of his calling to follow Christ!

• Amidst Peter’s confusion and withdrawal, the Lord re-emerged, called him again and showed him the way forward for his life (John 21:1–19)

We act like Peter in many situations: we fear giving all to God when He calls us into greater faith, deeper ministry, or higher levels in our walk with Him.

Read Acts 2:1–14, 37–41

Was Jesus’ promise to make Peter a fisher of men fulfilled? Absolutely!

As Peter and the rest of the disciples followed Jesus unreservedly, they came to a season of great fruitfulness in service and began a journey in which they experienced the full manifestation of God’s love in every way.

Are you facing fear in your journey with the Lord?

Various kinds of fear attack us as we seek to walk with God. But such fears are never from Him and, if given into, hinder us from experiencing the fullness of His love.

God’s love is not a feeling; it is a deep commitment from Him to do us good through His wise and perfect plans.

FEAR diminishes our ability to embrace His plans and therefore steals the blessing of experiencing His love.

Let us embrace His love, therefore, focusing on the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”