Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4: God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. ¹⁷ Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.

 

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Going out to play, I did not notice the door was broken, causing it to slam. “Stop slamming the door please” was the statement given to me that was easy to do. But when I was older and wanted to “sneak” back into the house after being out all night, I carefully placed the key in the door and gently opened it so it would not make any noise. I was met with “Who do you think you are?’

 

• I did not notice the door when I was doing something that was harmless.
• I did not even think about the door when I was enjoying myself the way I was expected to.
• I feared getting caught doing something I was not supposed to be doing, so I feared making noise with the door.

 

John attempted to address the fear of consequence. He started off by explaining that GOD is love. This is an important statement, because many may have focused on GOD dishing out wrath. He explained that by living a life that contains love, courage can increase and fear decrease.

 

My Observations:

• Satan wants me to live in fear, so he uses temptations that go directly against GOD to keep me wounded.
• GOD gave me HIS SON as a remedy to my sin, and by believing that I need salvation from GOD’s wrath, I can be saved from it.
• I no longer have to worry about GOD’s wrath, especially when I follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Motivated by love reduces my fear. I mean, when I am motivated by something that GOD will object to, I get filled with fear. I try to handle things on my own or side with people who are fumbling through life, just like me. When things still don’t appear to be going well, my fear increases. BUT GOD has a remedy to this fear.

 

Focusing on what the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to do and say, makes me change my words and even change my motive. I may not want to do something, but I will do it, if it pleases GOD. I also may want to do something that GOD does not want me to do. So by listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, I may sigh, and leave whatever that thing is alone. I am glad GOD cares about my fears and replaces them with HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain that “GOD is love?”
• Have you ever thought that GOD is out to get you because of a known or unknown sin?
• Will you find the root of your fears and see if you are missing a solid relationship with GOD?
• Will you also consider overcoming any fear you may have by placing GOD’s love into your solution today?

Fearless

Fearless

Galatians 3: ¹⁹ What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. ²⁰ But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one.

 

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Fearing the answer would be “No” I asked a sibling to “Ask mom and dad to let me go to the party.” “No way!” was the quick reply, not wanting to get caught up in the possible conflict. I tried this approach with difficult teachers, seeking the teacher’s pet as my advocate. I then tried the approach on jobs, wanting someone else to be the “go-between.”

 

• I feared I would get the words wrong.
• I needed an excuse, so if things did not go well for me I could blame the “go-between.”
• I was acting immature and wanted someone else to speak on my behalf so “I” could get what I wanted.

 

Paul continues to speak to those who believe the Law could save them. He explained that it was put in place temporarily until CHRIST became a human to fulfill GOD’s promise. Only the high priest could speak to GOD and a sacrifice was needed to atone for sin. This was no longer needed.

 

My Observations

• When JESUS rose from the dead after being murdered, I was able to go directly to the FATHR and ask for forgiveness.
• When JESUS became the sacrifice for all my sins, I no longer needed to ask someone else to speak to GOD on my behalf.
• When JESUS ascended to Heaven, HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me and now I have the HOLY SPIRIT as my advocate.

 

Fear makes me want to follow “The Law.” I mean, when I want my way, I follow “The Law” harder, hoping that GOD would see how “good” I am acting. BUT GOD sees through this temporary activity. HE sees my heart and knows I would leave HIM as soon as I get my way.

 

GOD wanted something permanent. JESUS volunteered to become the blame for my sins. I no longer have to fear if I upset GOD in some sinful way, because the answer is “Yes!” But that’s not all to the answer. HE also says “But I forgive you because you believe in MY SON.” I am glad I can walk without fear that GOD has left me, because JESUS loves me daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to say about a “go-between?”
• Have you ever felt insecure so you wanted someone else to speak on your behalf?
• Will you get over your fears by confessing your sins directly to GOD by believing you need a Savior, namely JESUS who will give you the HOLY SPIRIT as your advocate today?

Provide a Warning

 

Provide a Warning

Acts 27: ⁹ Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.  So Paul warned them, ¹⁰ “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” ¹¹ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. ¹² Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

 

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Hearing the guy make jokes in a serious meeting, I cringed for his career. I mean, this meeting was with the senior executives of the company and he insisted on telling his joke. When another meeting was scheduled, I thought to myself, “I should warn him.” I did not follow my heart and remained silent. He joked again and got fired.

 

• There are actions of others that I used to think were out of my control.
• There are actions of others that I used to feel “It’s their fault if they hurt themselves.”
• There are actions of others that I saw coming, yet I did not provide them with a warning.

 

Paul saw the dire situation they were in and tried to warn everyone of the danger. It was already after the Day of Atonement, meaning it was fall and winter travel would be even more treacherous. The centurion heard the warning but did not listen. Paul had done what he was supposed to do.

 

• When GOD tells me to warn someone, I have to listen.
• When GOD warns me of something that is against HIS will I have to warn others.
• When GOD places a caution sign on the path of someone, HE wants me to heed the warning and make HIS point as clear as possible.

 

Letting someone fail is sometimes a good tactic. I mean, tough love provides hard lessons. But sometimes GOD steps in and wants me to provide a warning. Over and over GOD has warned me and the times I did not listen were difficult. But when I listened to GOD’s warnings, I bared fruit.

 

When GOD says “Warn that person”, HE is trying to do a marvelous work. Warnings from GOD are not born from fear, rather HIS sovereignty. GOD said “But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.” I am glad HE send people to warn me.

 

• Has GOD opened your eyes to something?
• Do you see something wrong, but were going to remain silent?
• Will you open your mouth and provide HIS warning today?

 

Fear for Strength

Fear for Strength

Acts 5: ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

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In a certain country, the rule was “No proselytizing.” In other words, “Do not preach about JESUS” or face the consequences. This bothered me because we were on a missions trip to do exactly that. “LORD what do YOU want me to do?” I asked. Then a way was made. If the locals asked about my faith, then I could explain what I believed. One person did, then another. It was all worked out.

• There were times when I was scared to present my belief in JESUS.
• There were times when I felt driven to present how JESUS saved me from eternal death.
• There were times when I saw the opposition to presenting the great news about JESUS.

The church leaders took a weak position on fear. They worried about what the people thought so they quietly sneaked the apostles away. Their fear was because of their murderous actions and their eternally deadly stance on disbelieving JESUS as Savior. They were full of weak fear.

• GOD wants me to fear not telling people about HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear not following what HE tells me to do.
• GOD wants me to fear not believing in JESUS as my Savior.

When GOD tells me to do something contrary to what humans say, HE wants me to obey HIM. HIS voice is that of love and salvation, not harm or pain. Some people do things in the name of GOD, but are really acting in their own power like those who murdered JESUS.

GOD sees the heart and fills it with the desire to speak about HIM at all costs. But this can only happen to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. To those, HE freely gives the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you acting on your own desires without consulting GOD?
• Do you think your actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you start fearing what GOD says to do over any human thought little by little today?

Fear

Fear

Acts 4: ¹⁸ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

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After seeing the horror movie, I was a bit shaken. I drove home and traversed the seemingly longer walk from the garage to the house. It was dark. I got my keys to the house out of my pocket in preparation for a quick entry. “Boo!” said a neighbor, who jumped from out of adjoining bushes. I ran screaming, only to hear laughter.

• There have been times when I have been afraid.
• There have been times when I could rationalize why I was afraid.
• There have been times when I was so afraid that I could not think rationally.

Peter and John were threatened by the same church leaders who had JESUS killed. This intimidation would make most people cower in fear. But Peter and John had solidified who they serve, namely JESUS. They did not walk in fear.

• GOD says to me “The only healthy fear is the fear of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your protector, and your provider.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only salvation.”

Humans threaten life and death. BUT GOD is the only one who can fulfill it. I mean HE says “There is an appointed time for everything”, including death. Very real human threats and situations can only thwarted by GOD.

HE wants me to have healthy fear which is fear of not doing what HE says to do. HE wants me to choose HIM over anything I can grasp onto in this life. JESUS is my Savior and purpose. Whom shall I fear? I may get scared, but the spirit of fear no longer holds me.

• Are you gripped with fear that does not seem to go away?
• Are you spreading fear by calling people foolish and stating threats people face?
• Will you trade your “spirit of fear” for the “fear of the LORD” by spreading peace today?

Fear Decision Remedy

Fear Decision Remedy

John 6: ¹⁶ Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. ¹⁸ Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. ¹⁹ So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

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After breaking the back door window, I was sentenced to my room. A neighbor questioned why I was stuck inside on this sunny day, as we held a conversation from house to house. Beckoning me to break out for a while, I slipped out to play.

When I heard my name being called, I knew I was in deeper trouble because I wasn’t supposed to be outside. I went and hid for hours. The police were called to search for me.

• When I have fear I make poor decisions.
• When I have fear I rationalize based on fearful thoughts.
• When I have fear I decide on things rapidly in hopes of getting the thing that made me fear over and done.

Dark… hurricane like winds and without JESUS, the disciples set out in a small boat towards Capernaum. This tense situation was heightened when they saw someone or something approaching them. Since it was dark, I assume what they saw was bright. It was JESUS. When HE spoke the words “It is I; do not be afraid”, they calmed down.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “Slow down, come to ME and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says to me “Give ME all of your troubles, worries, fears and doubts.”

Fear decisions are the worst decisions. I mean when I am worried, I may not think as rational as I should. GOD wants me to calm down with HIM daily so I can hear HIS guidance.

HE whispers “Do not fear” to me and I can only hear it when I slow down each day. I thank GOD for being there for me when I am scared.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you make fear decisions that puts you in deeper trouble?
• Will you slow down and let GOD fill your heart with HIS peace today?

Strength Training

Luke 12: ⁴ “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

⁶ “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

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Sitting at my desk, I thought of different ways to exit the building. A bully had threatened to beat me up at 3:15 PM and I could not tell anyone otherwise it would truly cause the fight to happen. I could only think about the bully.

• In the past I have been filled with fear.
• There were moments when I was scared of a particular person.
• Several times I got worried about what humans would do to me so I sought to protect myself.

JESUS tells an innumerable crowd about depending on GOD. HE summed up life in a few short statements. “There will always be another bully that will fight you in all aspects in life, so do not fear them. BUT fear not doing what GOD says to do.

• GOD wants me to fear what HE will do to me for not proclaiming that HIS SON is my savior.
• GOD wants me to fear NOT depending on HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear eternal separation from HIS love.

“Fear HIM who has the power to cast you into hell after death” was JESUS’s statement, but HE wasn’t finished. HE also said BUT GOD cares for you as HE has a plan for every hair on your head. HE cares for birds and other animals, HE can certainly care for you.

GOD’s power is infinite and I should fear not serving HIM daily. HE protects me from bullies of all sorts, especially those who desire to control me. GOD wants my passion and HE will take out those who try to snuff my passion for HIM. HIS protection is invaluable and gives me strength.

• Are you getting worn down by someone?
• Are you trying to control someone?
• Will you stop looking at other people and focus your path to GOD?
• Will you get your strength from GOD instead of allowing humans to put you in a fearful mood?

Fear of the City

Luke 10: ¹³ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. ¹⁴ But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. ¹⁵ And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. ¹⁶ He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

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“What should I say?” were the fearful words that ran through my mind. I had never spoken to a large crowd before and this crowd was over a thousand people. When I organized my outline I felt a little better, but not for long. “What if you fail?” and “What if they don’t like what you have to say?” were questions that popped in my head as the time to speak drew closer.

• There were times when I was nervous about “my” message.
• There were times when I feared not being heard when I had to speak.
• There were times when I got nervous about being rejected.

JESUS gives a different take on HIS appointment to those HE was sending out to spread HIS loving message. HE tells HIS messengers, “Do not worry about rejection. If they reject you they reject ME and the one who sent ME.”

• GOD says to me “Go out and boldly spread MY gospel.”
• GOD says to me “Remove your fear of speaking to others about ME.”
• GOD says to me “Human rejection may happen to you , but I will be with you always.”

When GOD sends me out to speak there is no such thing as getting personally rejected. HIS loving message of salvation should be on my lips coupled with the question “Who would reject this?” BUT GOD knows the message will sometimes be rejected.

To those who do reject the loving words GOD has given me, reject HIS very being. HE wants me to be HIS ambassador. I can leave my fear of speaking about HIM at home and boldly go where HE sends me.

• Are you afraid of being rejected?
• Do you think you have too many problems to be heard?
• Will you stop thinking “you” are being rejected and take GOD’s message of love to as many people as HE sends you to today?

Bright Future

Luke 1: ⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

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“You will never grow in this industry” said my professor as he was prepared to give me a failing grade. “Maybe his words would come true” I thought to myself. “Maybe the words of the teacher who believed in me were just a fantasy and I could never amount to anything” I added.

• There were times when I doubted my future.
• There were times when I did not believe amazing things could happen to me.
• There were times when I believed what the negative people said.

Zacharias met an angel and feared for his life. The angel rested his mind by telling him the future of his one and only son to be. The angel did not speak of the hurt John would face, rather he said John would be “Great in the sight of the LORD.”

• GOD wants me to believe I have a special purpose in life.
• GOD wants me to use my special purpose to turn many people to the LORD their GOD.
• GOD wants me to make ready HIS people for HIS return.

By human measures my future sometimes seems bleak. I have tried and failed at numerous things in my life. BUT GOD sees something different in me. HE fills me with HIS SPIRIT and gives me the ability to tell people that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my LORD and SAVIOR.

• Do you feel awkward and left out?
• Do you think you are not special?
• Can you stop measuring yourself by the world’s standards and allow GOD to use the powerful gifts and talents HE has given you for HIS purpose today?

Left Alone

Matthew 27: ⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

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With a huge task at hand and no one around to help I cried out “LORD what!?” I meant to say to HIM, “Why did you bring me to this point only to drop me off in the middle of nowhere, alone!?”

• Sometimes I feel alone.
• Sometimes I feel forsaken.
• Sometimes I feel by myself only with onlookers instead of participants.

Even when I asked for help the onlookers would offer me something I did not need or they did not know how to help. Others, stood there and wanted to see if I would fall all the way down or if something truly amazing was going to happen.

JESUS faced the same thing. HE was on public display and blamed for every sin of every human that ever existed. Gawkers wanted to see more parlor tricks as they stared at a dying man. JESUS felt left alone.

• JESUS understands my loneliness so HE sent a comforter.
• JESUS knows how I feel when I cry out to HIM.
• JESUS cares tremendously when I feel left alone.

Sometimes I even go as far as JESUS did and blame the FATHER for leaving me alone. HE said “MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?” I asked GOD the same question, especially when the pressures of the world are creeping around me.

GOD says to me “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and that gives me peace. The problems of the world melt away and I look for HIS deliverance in HIS time, HIS way.

• Do you feel alone?
• Do you feel like you have no one helping you?
• Can you turn to GOD and ask HIM to fill you up with HIS comfort today?

Silver and Gold

Matthew 26: ¹⁴ Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests ¹⁵ and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. ¹⁶ From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

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Desperate and tired of the job search, I started applying for positions I had no experience in. “Hmm, Deep Sea Diver… I went in the ocean a few times maybe I qualify for that!”

• There have been times when I was desperate for money.
• There have been times when I was only focused on my bank account.
• There have been times when I was so focused on money that I would do almost anything to get it.

Stretching my moral boundaries was a thought as I considered positions I was not qualified for. In other words I could lie a little because I figured I would be a hard worker and eventually be the best at whatever “it” was. BUT GOD wanted me to be different.

• GOD says to me “Be anxious for nothing” even when times look difficult.
• GOD says to me “The love of money it the root of all kinds of evil” so my desperation could make me go places I may not return from.
• GOD says to me “I AM your dwelling place” so HE has a right to guide me in difficult times and in peaceful times.

Looking back I can see it was not the lack of employment that caused my desperation, it was my love of money. One would say I was justified in my actions, but I was the same even when I was employed. Judas was the same way.

He saw an opportunity to put a man in jail for money. He probably never considered they would kill JESUS. He would do anything to please the rich so he would have his slice of the pie. GOD wants me to grab my desperation and give it to HIM. HE wants to be my guide.

• Are you desperate for money?
• Are you on the path to doing “anything” for money even outside of your moral boundaries?
• Can you stop focusing on your bills and ask GOD “How do YOU want me to serve YOU?” today?

No Surprise

Matthew 24: ³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

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Walking down the crowded hallway, I felt excited. I was finally at my next school and this time things would be better. I was finally away from the thugs at my old school. When the day was over we were given warnings about the travel path home. “Take only these specific safe routes when walking through the neighborhood” they told us. “Aw man! This sounds worse than my old school!”

• At one time I panicked when I heard warnings.
• At one time I got nervous when I heard something could go wrong.
• At one time I was frightened at the mere sound of danger.

JESUS told HIS disciples what was to come and the future did not sound bright at all. There would be wars, famine and lying claims of the Messiah. Then HE said “such things must happen.”

• GOD wants me to know things will go wrong in my life but HE is there.
• GOD wants me to expect trouble so I will know to pray instead of falling apart.
• GOD wants me to be aware of my surroundings so I can rely on HIM instead of freezing out of fright.

Understanding that something could go wrong made me more prepared as I walked through the shadows of thugs. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” enables me to go without fear through troubled times, not around them.

• Are you going through troubled times?
• Are you filled with fear?
• Can you ask GOD to lead you through the times, knowing these things have to happen?

Trapped

Matthew 14: ²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

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My mind raced as I heard a noise. I paused to perk my ears like a rabbit tracking a predator. “What or even worse, who is that?” I cringed in terror. This went on for an eternal two minutes! “Hi, just checking in to see how you are doing” was the statement from my boss. I was not expecting him. My trapped feeling went away.

• Sometimes my mind conjures up the worst that could happen.
• Sometimes my mind thinks of pain and problem when facing the unknown.
• Sometimes my mind magnifies the figment of my imagination to be something bigger than it is.

Seeing a figure come out of the dark must have scared the wits out of the disciples. I mean no one had ever walked on water before so it must have been a ghost was their logic. I concur. I would have been scared too. They were not able to run or get away so the “trapped” feeling magnified their fears. I feel like that sometimes. BUT GOD wants me to fee different.

• GOD wants me to expect HIS miracles in ways I will never understand.
• GOD wants me to know HE can do anything so I need to watch for the peculiar and the norm.
• GOD wants me to “Take courage” for it is HE who calms the situation.

“Don’t be afraid” was JESUS’s calming words and HE says this to me when I get scared. HE wants me to focus on the miracle, not the problem, so I can praise HIM. Feeling trapped and scared blinds me. GOD wants me to slow down to see HIS might.

• Are you feeling trapped?
• Are you afraid?
• Can you slow down and look for GOD in the situation so HE can show you HIS miracle?

Worry

Matthew 6: ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

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³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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“Oh no, my life is ruined!” I thought to myself. I started calculating what would happen to my life now that I failed the class. “If  I don’t graduate in this particular major, then I won’t get good paying job, then I will be stuck being a janitor the rest of my life!” was my dramatic line of thinking.

• When I worry I think the worst will happen.
• When I worry I think of all kinds of bad things that could happen.
• When I worry I take it a step further and turn it into panic and start reacting to those who are worried around me.

Worry is an evil incessant foe. It rears its ugly head to distract, not only me, but many around me. It invites its friends “panic” and “fear” to join in on the party and soon I found myself blaming GOD for all my ills. “If YOU would have just given me the answers to the test, then I would not be in this mess!” was my immature thought after not studying.

• GOD says to me “You are more valuable than all the animals I feed daily.”
• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first on a daily basis and MY righteousness and I will feed and clothe you.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Tomorrow is GOD’s domain and I have not right to be in it at all. GOD wants me to stay in “today” where have an opportunity to praise HIM, serve HIM and be guided by HIM. A sigh of relief comes out of my mouth as I do not have to think about “tomorrow” for today I seek GOD.

• Are you worried?
• Do you think your worry can change things?
• Can you stop worrying for a few moments and praise GOD so HE can help you think straight?

Facing Huge Challenges

Haggai 2: ⁴ But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ⁵ ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’

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Nervous about the journey I set out by myself. I had never traveled this far alone. “Which block do I turn down?” Dogs could sense my fear as I scurried past them. I made it to school safely. This was huge! Years later, with little to no counseling, I applied for college. I stood in the wrong line to sign up for classes and had no idea how to study, but somehow I made it.

Still years later I had just implemented technology to make the company more money. After the celebration, the position I held was eliminated. I was back to asking “Which way should I go?”

• There have been many times I have been faced with walking blindly.
• There have been many times I have had to go places that seemed unknown.
• There have been many times I have been in an impossible situation that seemed like I would overwhelmingly fail.

In each instance I felt like giving up. I mean I had no help, no one to guide me and the odds seemed impossible. BUT GOD always had a different message.

• GOD said to me “Be strong for I brought you out of Egypt.”
• GOD said to me “Be strong for I have been with you every step of the way.”
• GOD said to me “Be strong for MY SPIRIT remains among you. Do not fear.”

I left out a part in each story. When I felt like giving up, GOD showed me the way. Inevitably a person would pop up and guide me to a better place. HE placed HIS servants all over the world and enabled me to be guided in places I never would have dreamed of. HE has led me to still waters and restored my soul.

• Do you feel lost?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you stop looking for the destination and seek GOD who will give you strength?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS direction and deliverance today?

Peace and Security

Jeremiah 46: ²⁷ “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant;
    do not be dismayed, Israel.
I will surely save you out of a distant place,
    your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security,
    and no one will make him afraid.

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Waiting on the decision, I could hardly sleep. I interviewed for the top position and they dragged their feet towards telling me if I got it or not. A couple of weeks later I realized the worst. I did not get the position. I did not have peace.

• Every once in a while I lose my peace.
• Every now and then I do not feel secure.
• Every so often I feel threatened.

I felt that getting this position would enable me to get away from those who “opposed” me; instead, I had to remain right under them. This made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I could not help feeling this group did not want me around and I did not know what to do. BUT GOD made a difference.

• GOD gives me peace that surpasses all understanding.
• GOD is my security so I do not have to worry about humans.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid” because HE is with me.

After I settled down I realized that I was working for the wrong person. I was working for humans who constantly change their minds and have egos as large as an ocean. GOD wants me to do everything unto HIM so I can feel at peace. HE guides me and protects me. GOD gives me peace and security.

• Where are you putting your peace?
• Do you place security in money?
• Can you change you thinking and allow GOD to give you HIS peace?
• Will you put your trust in HIM and HIM alone?

Being Called “Names”

Isaiah 51: ⁷ “Hear me, you who know what is right,
    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
    or be terrified by their insults.
⁸ For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
    the worm will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
    my salvation through all generations.”

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“Skinny Minnie, Captain Naps, and Floods” were some of the hurtful words people threw at me during one stage of my life. I tried to adjust. “Slow Poke, Weak, and Pitiful” were other words given to me by jocks. So, I tried to adjust again. Even more sinister words were given to me as labels as I grew up, some by those I thought I could trust. “Hmmm.”

• There have been people who have hurled insults at me.
• There have been people who have placed me in a box and stuck a label on it.
• There have been people who decided in their mind that I am not a “good fit” for whatever.

When I received the insult, at first I would try to brush it off but then after a number of people said the same insult, I wondered, “What is wrong with me?” I mean I was skinny, so what? I was born into this culture, what am I to do?

• GOD says to me “I made you and I AM pleased.”
• GOD says to me “I have given you MY words, love those who insult you.”
• GOD says to me “Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults, for I AM the everlasting GOD who loves you and has given you a purpose.”

Fearing what someone thinks of me can lead to losing my identity. I try so hard to please the crowd that I wind up looking like them and acting like them. Soon I am off the track that GOD has me on. BUT GOD sees me and says to me “You are fine.” No need for many other words, no need for a long pep talk. GOD says “MY righteousness will last forever, MY salvation through all generations.”

GOD surpasses those who hurl insults or wield their power over me in an effort to keep me down. HE says “Keep going” in spite of their attempts. GOD is my rock.

• Are you being held back by someone?
• Do you replay their insults in your mind over and over?
• Can you look past their attempt to control you and let GOD have your life?
• Will you look to HIM for your salvation in this situation and eternally?

Overcoming Fear

Isaiah 21: ⁴ My heart falters,
    fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for
    has become a horror to me.

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Do not be afraid are words I dread to hear. It makes me think of all the things I need to be afraid of. When faced with jumping off the high dive in my swim class the instructor said “do not be afraid” and I was terrified. When problems hit and I see the words in the Bible “Do not be afraid”, I am calm for about three seconds then I panic. What is the problem?

• Sometimes I get scared.
• Sometimes I have fear.
• Sometimes I am filled with nervousness.

Fear happens when my mind takes the extra step. I mean when I start thinking about something bad happening as an outcome to the situation then I panic. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “Hold every thought captive” which means I should not step too far into the future with my thoughts.
• GOD says to me “I am with you always” which means that I am not alone.
• GOD says to me “You are wonderfully made” which means I am in the most powerful family.

Trusting in GOD means taking life a little at a time. No ultimate solutions to problems. GOD wants me to see HIM daily. HE wants me to understand that when HE says “Do not be afraid” He is giving me a weapon versus scolding me. GOD is handing me the shield of protection as if saying “Do not be afraid, your HEAVENLY FATHER who loves you is right here.”

• Are you afraid?
• Are you tired of people telling you to trust more?
• Can you give just a little fear to GOD by telling HIM what you are afraid of?
• Will you face your fears instead of having HIM remove them so you can grow beyond them?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your fears?

GOD’s Delight

Psalm 147: ¹⁰ His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
¹¹ the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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Fear is a misconception in the circles I roam. At work, rules were developed to instill fear of insubordination. In my old neighborhood fear was used to mark a territory, though I never quite understood that. Friends and family each had their fears and so did I. Fear of failure, embarrassment, losing stuff and more held me back or made me make decisions that were not filled with passion, rather they were tentative at best.

• My fear of the world blinds me.
• My fear of people makes me tread lightly.
• My fear of failure holds me back from trying.

Fear of people, losing stuff and jobs seem healthy to most, but to GOD it is not good. The more fear I have of the long list of phobias, the dimmer my eyes become. Soon, I cannot see GOD and HIS marvelous power. HE says have no fear, yet fear HIM. Is this confusing? No!

• GOD wants me to fear straying from HIM and falling into something that is powerless.
• GOD wants me to fear using my own power rather than plugging into HIS infinite power.
• GOD wants me to fear loving money or my neighbors stuff so I can look to GOD for my provision.

GOD is love not arrogant. HE is not an oppressor who demands fear like a bully or a conqueror. GOD wants me to understand that HE IS GOD. HIS power is infinite and should not be blown off. My worship should be pointed towards HIM and not myself. The more I seek HIS face, the deeper our relationship grows. HE provides wisdom and never fails to love me.

• Are you full of harmful fear?
• What is your fear and can you write it down on paper and tear it up so you can give it to GOD?
• Will you put your full trust in GOD by asking for a tiny amount of faith to be added to you daily?

Where to go when I am afraid

Psalm 56: ³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
⁴     In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

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“Do not be afraid” appears in the Bible a lot. I mean it seems like when I turn another page, the statement about fear is addressed. On many occasions, I have felt fear, sometimes to the point of panic. When this happens, I run around as a chicken with a severed head. What is it about fear that is so stifling?

• I notice when I have fear, I am usually looking into the future.
• I notice when I have fear, I am usually replaying my situation over and over.
• I notice when I have fear, I am usually stuck in the past.

What is it that makes me afraid? I believe fear is the collision of my desire against GOD’s will. I mean when GOD wants me to do something and I want to do something else, our wills collide. Of course GOD will “win” but HE isn’t out to “win” He simply wants to show love to me. When I am afraid, what should I do?

• When I am afraid I will go put my trust in GOD.
• When I am afraid I will praise HIM and HIS word.
• When I am afraid I will realize mere mortals cannot do anything to me that is not ordained by GOD.

Trusting in GOD means placing all of my life into HIS hands. HE understands my needs wants and desires. HE has the right to say “No” “wait” or “yes.” My dependence should come from HIM daily. HE wants me to sit, listen and watch HIS deliverance.

• Are you afraid?
• Do you have something troubling you?
• Can you trust that GOD knows what HE is doing even in the middle of crisis?
• Will you place your dependence on GOD today?