Have you ever heard someone say, “I am just worried sick!” “I am so afraid something is going to happen.” “Well, what if?”
All of these statements are rooted in fear. Fear is like a disease because it can become so powerful that it can actually cripple or debilitate someone. Fear stops people and can even prevent God from moving on your behalf. He may have the plan to help you with what you need, but if you have fear in your heart, you will most likely never try it.
I have been to countries where “fear” seemed to be one of the controlling spirits of the land. The people there would try to do things independently instead of trusting God. It was sad to witness their struggle.
I know one lady, shortly after meeting her, said to me, “My greatest fear is getting a knock on the door at 3 AM informing us that our son has been killed in an auto accident.” About three years later, her fear became a reality. The Bible addresses fear. One scripture says, “The worst of my fears has come true, what I’ve dreaded most has happened.” Job 3:25 (MSG)
The only thing greater than “fear” is “hope”! That is why the devil wants you to believe the lie that you have no hope.
“As long as you are alive, you have hope.”
Pastor Robert Morris
This is why I place my hope in the Lord, for He is the author and finisher of my faith. For God is Love, and perfect love drives out fear!
17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God, and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home, and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:17-18 (MSG).
God knows what you fear and wants to help you trust him with it. Allow him so, and then his perfect love will drive it out of you as you learn to count on him.
Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.