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I think that perhaps one of the most debilitating, powerful forces on earth is fear. Think about it, fear is usually the culprit behind unfulfilled dreams, lack of motivation, irrational phobias, depression and hopelessness, and the list could go on and on. Fear holds us back. It is often the driving force behind our problems. If it’s not the driving force, then it usually is there to add fuel to the fire of whatever the problem might be.
For instance, having financial difficulties might not be a direct result of fear, but once we experience trouble paying bills, the fear starts to set in. We start to worry and conjure up all kinds of worse case scenarios. We worry we will lose our home, that we won’t be able to pay our bills, or support our families.
The human mind can come up with all kinds of “what if” scenarios. Any “what if” thought, or worry is just another form of fear in disguise. The amount of subjects we worry about our endless. We fret and fear about the future, our kids, and our health. We fear failure, so we don’t pursue our dreams. We fear what others think of us, which leads to low self esteem. We fear making the wrong decision, so we do nothing instead. Fear is the ultimate dream-crusher. It can be debilitating, unhealthy, and counterproductive.
When we let fear creep into our lives, when we fret about our problems or allow fear to dictate the way we behave, we aren’t trusting God the way we should. Remember the story about Peter walking on the water? The disciples see Jesus walking on the water and Jesus calls Peter to him. Peter, in faith, gets out of the boat and is acually able to walk on the water! But suddenly, Peter looks around him and sees the winds blowing and immediately he starts to sink. Why? Because he let his fear overpower his faith (Matthew 14:22-33).
Remember the Israelites in the desert? God rescued them out of slavery and was in the process of bringing them to the promised land. Along the way, they saw such miraculous things! The parting of the red sea, the manna, the water from the rock, the cloud of smoke and pillar of fire, to name a few. Yet, when they got to the promised land and saw their enemies, they were afraid, even though God promised to defeat them. They let their fear overpower their faith and suffered the consequences.
You see, fear is not a new thing. It’s been around for years. It’s a powerful force, fear. But the good news is, God has the power to overcome fear. I’m not saying we should never be afraid ever again. After all, we are human. However, we have a choice to trust God through every circumstance that comes our way. We have a choice to let God be bigger than our fear. The bible has a great deal to say about fear.
I will leave you with this quote from Beth Moore,
For instance, having financial difficulties might not be a direct result of fear, but once we experience trouble paying bills, the fear starts to set in. We start to worry and conjure up all kinds of worse case scenarios. We worry we will lose our home, that we won’t be able to pay our bills, or support our families.
The human mind can come up with all kinds of “what if” scenarios. Any “what if” thought, or worry is just another form of fear in disguise. The amount of subjects we worry about our endless. We fret and fear about the future, our kids, and our health. We fear failure, so we don’t pursue our dreams. We fear what others think of us, which leads to low self esteem. We fear making the wrong decision, so we do nothing instead. Fear is the ultimate dream-crusher. It can be debilitating, unhealthy, and counterproductive.
When we let fear creep into our lives, when we fret about our problems or allow fear to dictate the way we behave, we aren’t trusting God the way we should. Remember the story about Peter walking on the water? The disciples see Jesus walking on the water and Jesus calls Peter to him. Peter, in faith, gets out of the boat and is acually able to walk on the water! But suddenly, Peter looks around him and sees the winds blowing and immediately he starts to sink. Why? Because he let his fear overpower his faith (Matthew 14:22-33).
Remember the Israelites in the desert? God rescued them out of slavery and was in the process of bringing them to the promised land. Along the way, they saw such miraculous things! The parting of the red sea, the manna, the water from the rock, the cloud of smoke and pillar of fire, to name a few. Yet, when they got to the promised land and saw their enemies, they were afraid, even though God promised to defeat them. They let their fear overpower their faith and suffered the consequences.
You see, fear is not a new thing. It’s been around for years. It’s a powerful force, fear. But the good news is, God has the power to overcome fear. I’m not saying we should never be afraid ever again. After all, we are human. However, we have a choice to trust God through every circumstance that comes our way. We have a choice to let God be bigger than our fear. The bible has a great deal to say about fear.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
What a comforting thought. God is with us through everything, wherever we go, in any and all circumstances. We have no need to be afraid. God wants what is best for us. So, you can be sure that whatever situation you face, it will eventually work out for your good and in the meantime, God will be with you to help you through it. Lets not be like the ancient Israelites who chose to fear rather than trust God.
I will leave you with this quote from Beth Moore,
“Faith is not believing in my own unshakable belief.
It is believing an unshakable God when
everything in me trembles and quakes.”
We have a choice. Will you choose to let God be bigger than your fear?It is believing an unshakable God when
everything in me trembles and quakes.”