Years ago, I was wresting with God over a life decision. I had an opportunity to serve God. It was exciting but it would require a big step of faith. We would leave what was comfortable for the unknown. We would move across the country to a city and state where we knew no one.
During this season of prayer, fasting, and seeking God’s will, one night I was in our church auditorium, where we were pastoring. I was walking around the auditorium praying and asking God for assurance about the decision. The Lord spoke to me so clearly that night. He said, “Loren, I have told you what to do. Stop being afraid.” It wasn’t an audible voice, but it was the clear voice of God in my spirit.
Fear was the thing that had been holding me back. Having heard God’s voice, my wife and I stepped out in faith, moved across the country and began a new ministry. It’s been an amazing journey. I have thought about that decision. What if I had listened to the voice of fear over the voice of God? What if I had allowed fear to paralyze me? What if I had decided to stay in place of comfort instead of following God into the unknown?
This past year one emotion has escalated in our world. It is one that no doubt you have faced. With all that is happening in our world, in our country, and in our own lives, we have an emotion that threatens to control us. This emotion seeks to be a dominant force in our lives. When we allow it to, this emotion will cripple us. It will paralyze us to the point where we are ineffective, unfulfilled, and unhappy. I am talking about the emotion of fear.
In fact, the command “fear not” is recorded in the Bible over 300 times. It is the single most common command in the Bible. God is trying to get a message across to his people: “We don’t have to live in fear. It is not his will or his plan for our lives.”
It doesn’t matter where you live in this world – you will experience fearful times. The word fear is defined as, “a sudden attack, anxiety, or agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, or pain.” It goes on to say that fear covers a wide range of emotions: timidity, apprehension, terror, and dread. But the truth is we don’t need a dictionary to tell us what fear is, because personal experience has taught us all too well.
I’ve heard people say, “I’m not afraid, I just worry a lot.” Someone once described the various types of fear:
•Worry – fear produced by our worst imaginations
•Guilt – fear caused by a troubled conscience
•Insecurity – fear prompted by a lack of resources
•Dread – fear caused by an uncertain future
Isaiah 43 - “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,
The verse begins with the words “fear not” and ends with “you are mine.” What an encouragement from the Word of God. We don't have to be afraid because we belong to the Lord.
Whatever you are facing today, whatever is causing you to worry, to be anxious, or afraid, stand on this truth: God is with you. He is for you. He will never leave you or forsake you. If you are going through the waters, he is there. If you are going through the fire, he is there to.
Today’s Challenge: Refuse to give in to the feelings of fear. Trust in what you do know. You know God is good and you know He is faithful. Remember all the times he has met your needs. Trust him. He will do it again.
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