Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Fear is what we make it ...

"In my ministry, I meet so many different people who are struggling with fear in all its varied forms.

There are widows, for example, who feel so alone since they lost their husbands. Typically, these ladies have so many fears— the fear of being alone, the fear of the future, financial insecurity, health issues, and other real threats they face on a daily basis.

Losing a spouse brings up many fears, both realized and hidden.

My heart goes out to them, and I try to let each one know that they are not alone.

I share Scriptures with them, showing that Jesus is with them, and He promised to never leave or forsake them.

I've discovered that there are passages in the Bible that give God's answers to every fear that exists to humanity.

I try to encourage God's children by speaking His words of comfort to them, such as, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."

This assurance of God's presence enables us to say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?" (Heb. 13: 5-6).

And in the Gospel of John Jesus said, "I am not alone, because the Father is with Me" (John 16: 32).

And the same is true for us.

This is a solid answer that we must stand on if we are going to defeat fear.

Here are some other specific Scriptures that speak to common fears:

The fear of uncertainty—
" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride" (Ps. 42: 1-3).

The fear of losing everything—
" And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 19).

The fear of death—
" I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die" (John 11: 25-26).

The fear of the devil—
" Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4: 4). "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you" (Luke 10: 19).

The fear of failure—
" Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15: 4-5).

For every fear we may face—
" Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Josh. 1: 9).

Beloved, in these Scriptures and so many more throughout the Bible we find the revelation and strength we need from God's Word to overcome fear.

He wants us to believe His promises, and walk in them every day of our lives.

As we do this, the devil and his fears will be put to flight. We don't have to suffer from fear any longer.

The Lord says, "Seize My Word and don't let anything else in."

As we discipline ourselves to seize God's Word, not letting anything else in, we will become free!"

- "Be Not Afraid"

Stay Strong

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