"Fear. I’ve heard it said that it means: False Evidence Appearing Real. Elliot is as real as they come. Since moving here to Milton-Freewater, I needed to find a new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu family. A new “pain” family. I found one. They are in College Place right across the street from the ABC. They’re called: Connection Rio Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Walla Walla...I know, it’s a mouth full! In this new location I’ve met so many new friends and realized that many of them are familiar with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
They have not found it strange that a SDA Pastor trains with them. I have appreciated the training and classes I have attended. I’ve learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. When you train a grappling art like Jiu Jitsu, you find that you spend a lot of time under a more powerful, young and massive opponent. Learning not to panic when a massive person is trying to submit you is really hard. But that is where a practitioner of this art needs to become accustomed to...being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
However, there are opponents that bring the element of fear to the forefront. Mine, at this point, is called Elliot. He is a former linebacker for the NFL Chargers! To say that he’s big is an understatement. He’s huge! Like a descendent of Goliath, huge! Our coach for a class had me train with him because of all the other guys and gals, I was the closest to his size...but not really. We began our train session with Elliot on top. For the rest of the 5 minute round, I tried to escape his massive body, but failed. That is until I got out to the side of his body and started to get out.
I’ve realize that fear is a very real thing. However, God has made for us a way to "get out" of living under the paralyzing affects of fear. How? The Bible says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18, KJV. What exactly is “perfect” love? In the Original Greek, the word “Perfect” is “τελεία” (Teleia) which comes from the Greek word, “τέλος” (Télos) which has many meanings. But a significant meaning is maturity.
A mature love has the ability to cast out fear. How does something mature? It always takes time! The longer you have loved, walked, spent time with, and worshipped the Master Jesus the more your love for Him matures. As it matures, you are able to face circumstances and situations in your life where you become comfortable with the uncomfortable. No matter the opponent of fear that you are facing today, remember, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18, KJV
So until the next time, this is Pastor Tello reminding you that...Thoughts Do Change Lives!
Pastor Howard Tello