~fear not~

 

Below is a devotional I received from my hubby this week. He received it from some unknown source. The message was very timely for me as I was dealing with some level of fear in a decision I had to make regarding my work.  Fear is probably at the root of a large portion of our problems we face here on Earth. Satan uses fear to keep us down and keep us from fulfilling our full potential. Keep us from living a life of joy and abundance in Christ.

 

I feel that fear has been one of the greatest debilitating factors in my life.  Whether its fear of losing a loved one, or fear of trying something new, or fear of the unknown, or fear of powers that appear the be threatening, fear of my children getting hurt or making poor choices, etc. Fear seems to be at the root of alot of our decisions. And, yet, God has made it clear that living in fear is not what He would have for us as His sons and daughters, as Christians. The only fear we are to have is the fear of the Lord.

 

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools depise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5)

^"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." ~ (1 John 4:18)

 

Here is the devotional:

Deal Aggressively with Fear
 
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power,
love, and self-discipline"
(II Timothy 1:7, NLT)

So many people today are missing out on God's abundant life of joy, peace, and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They are afraid to make a decision, they are afraid to confront issues, they're afraid to step out in faith, they're afraid of the past, and they're afraid of the future. But as believers, we don't have to live that way.

Fear is not from God. God has given you power, and His power is greater than the power of any of your fears. You have to make a decision to deal aggressively with fear. You can't be passive and expect to live in victory. The only way to conquer fear is to confront it head on. As long as you're running from your fears just ignoring them or sweeping them under the rug, you're not going to get any better. Refusing to deal with fear doesn't make it go away. Instead, be strong-willed and determined knowing that the enemy is defeated. As you declare God's Word that says you can be bold and strong, you'll have the courage to conquer fear and move confidently into the destiny He has in store for you! 
 
A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen