Connect by Taking the Initiative - June 27, 2013

**James** Mon Jun 24, 2013 1:33 am

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Genesis 3:10
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

When Adam and Eve sinned and God came looking for Adam, Adam said, "I was afraid and I hid." (Genesis 3:10 ESV) This fear is as old as mankind. We hide our true selves. We don't let people know what we're really like. Why? Because we think, "If I tell you who I am and you don't like me, I'm have no alternative." So we wear masks and we pretend.

Fear does three terrible things to relationships:

Our fears make us defensive. We're afraid to reveal ourselves. When people point out weaknesses we retaliate and defend ourselves.

Our fears keep us distant. We don't let people get close to us. We want to withdraw and hide our emotions. We don't want to be open and honest.

Our fears make us demanding. The more insecure we are the more we try to control or dominate things. We try to have the last word in a relationship. It's always a symptom of fear and insecurity.

Where do you get the courage for taking the first step in connecting with someone? You get it from God's Spirit in your life: "For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people but to be wise and strong [courageous] and to love them and enjoy being with them" (2 Timothy 1:7 LB).

So the starting point in connecting with anybody is to pause and pray and say, "God, give me the courage to take the first step."