There is no fear where love exists. Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, and the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 (ISV)
I was walking our dog, Chad one morning and there was a young man approaching us with his son. The child was a tiny little fellow. My guess would be about 3 years old. He was obviously afraid of dogs. As soon as he noticed Chad he tried to run and hide. But his father grabbed his hand and told him, “It’s okay. The dog isn’t going to bite you, I got you.” I smiled, the dog smiled and wagged his tail, but the boy wasn’t having any of it. Since he couldn’t run, he tried to climb up his dad’s leg. No matter how many times his father assured him that he was safe, he still tried to get away from a perceived danger. As expected the dad’s patience wore thin and he ordered his son to “Stop!” He was insulted by his son’s lack of faith in his ability to protect him.
In the same way, our fears insult our heavenly father. Through out the Bible in both the old and new Testaments, God has assured and reassured us of His love, grace, mercy, favor, protection and guidance. He tells us in every book, “It’s okay. The dog isn’t going to bite you. I got you.” He has also ordered us to stop – with the doubt, the fear, the worry.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Worry, anxiety and fearfulness are unnatural for believers. These are responses the world has taught us. Maybe we were born with them. I don’t know. But I do know as born again children of God, we have no business entertaining them, and no matter which term you prefer: worried, concerned, anxious, apprehensive, – whatever! The bottom line is it all boils down to one word – fear. God did not give us fear. That comes courtesy of Satan. The Bible tells us the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can destroy. And he is not seeking his own. If you are a Christian – he’s seeking you. Your name is on his hit list and he’s coming after you with everything he’s got. Expect it. But also expect the victory. He’s already been defeated. Jesus Christ took care of it a long time ago.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Timothy 1:7
When we become fearful because we’re listening to Satan’s lies instead of standing on God’s Word, we become the “ye of little faith” Jesus spoke of. We know without faith it is impossible to please God, but guess what? Wishy-washy, doubting faith isn’t going to move God either. In order to receive the desired outcome we must trust God by faith to accomplish it – whatever it may be. This is so important. Fear is a lack of faith.
Whoever asks shouldn’t hesitate. They should ask in faith, without doubting. Whoever doubts is like the surf of the sea, tossed and turned by the wind. People like that should never imagine they will receive anything from the Lord. They are double-minded, unstable in all their ways. James 1:6-8(CEB)
If you are struggling with fear in any area of your life take these steps in complete faith: 1 Pray acknowledging your concern and ask the Lord to remove it. 2 The word of God is a powerful weapon -use it. 3 Listen to the Holy Spirit. 4 Obey His guidance. 5 Praise Him for the answer because it’s already done.
“Satan cannot do anything to us apart from fear, anymore than God can do something for us apart from faith. Faith moves God because faith is in God. Fear moves Satan because fear is in Satan.” ~ Kenneth Copeland Ministries.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Amen!!
God Bless!
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December 24, 2011 @ 7:25 am
What a wonderful post and so true that some may become paralyzed with worry and fear what the outcome can be. But if we trust in God, we can be better at dealing with fear and worry. Thanks for the wonderful advice.
Merry Christmas.
December 22, 2011 @ 12:28 pm
Hi Taylor, just stopping by to say hello. Hope your having a wonderful day.
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December 21, 2011 @ 11:04 am
Such a great post! While my husband and I have endured the uncertainty of a long season of unemployment, fear has been a huge emotion we've had to overcome. It's been through constant meditation on God's word that we've come this far. Thanks for sharing God's powerful word. 🙂
~Blessings to you my sweet sister in Christ,
Rosann
December 20, 2011 @ 11:15 am
Hello, follow you via Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop.
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December 20, 2011 @ 3:04 am
It's difficult to go through life without fearing.. after all uncertainty makes us uncomfortable. But you're right that all we need to do is to trust God that when we ask for something, He will provide for us.
December 19, 2011 @ 10:53 pm
This is just what i needed to here! thanks for the awesome post.
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December 19, 2011 @ 9:21 pm
Fear definitely paralyzes. It's timely that my latest post is about worry 🙂
Thanks for the consoling words. I have been worrying about things lately, and yes, it is insulting to our Heavenly Father.
Have a merry Christmas!