Casting Out Fear

Casting Out Fear

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” -1 John 4:18

Once at our Toastmaster’s meeting, there was a man who was the Toastmaster (or host for the meeting), who ended the meeting very unusually. He said, “Along with our theme of ‘out with the old, in with the new’, I want you to take out a piece of paper, and write your biggest fear on it.”

We did so, and awaited the next instruction. Next, he unveiled a box that had the word FEAR printed on it in big, bold letters.

“Now,” he said, “I have this box, and we’re going to collect everyone’s fears and put them here in the box.”  So, he went around the room collecting the papers that represented everyone’s fears.

“Now that everyone’s fears are in the box, we’re going to put this box right here in the middle of the room, so that every night we are here, we will be reminded of the fears we need to face.”

All of a sudden a large “NOO!!!” came from the back of the room from one of our fellow Toastmasters.  She ran to the front of the room and said, “NO! I can’t let you do that!  I am the power of LOVE, and I am going to take this box, and toss it away!” So she stole the box from our Toastmaster, and threw it in the trash.

Everyone cheered, and our Toastmaster ended with a short encouragement. “I want to end with a quote from the Good Book, “Love casts out every fear.”  So no matter what you fear, or what fears your want to conquer this year, I hope you’ll put it behind you, knowing that love is what makes fear have to flee.” What a great word!

Are there any fears you need to let Jesus chase away with His love?