Are you afraid of what the future holds for your life, family, children or business? Or, maybe you are afraid of the next step that God is asking you to take?
The truth is that at one point in our lives, we have had to come face to face with fear. Fear is characterized by anxiety, worry, panic, terror, and apprehension. Someone once defined fear as false evidence appearing real. It is an evil spirit, doesn’t come from God, and the Bible is crystal clear about it.
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
What Does Fear Do?
Fear cripples and hinders all areas of life and growth. It makes you skeptical – causing you to doubt. You may find yourself asking yourself questions such as. “Did God really say it? Will it work? What if? Do I have what it takes?”
As a result:
Fear causes us to resist change and therefore “get stuck.”
Fear makes you lose trust in God.
Fear tells you to maintain the status quo.
Fear says don’t rock the boat.
Fear says you have never done that before.
Fear causes you to remain in the past and even move backwards.
A good example of the power of fear is when the children of Israel told Moses they were better off in Egypt. They feared the journey ahead because it was something they had not known or done before.
Exodus 14:12
12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
3 Ways to Overcome Fear
As believers, it is important for us to understand that God is not the author of fear. Fear is from the enemy, and we need to deal with it accordingly. What does the Bible have to say about fear, and how can we as believers overcome it?
1. Do Not be Afraid
When the Israelites became stubborn as a result of their fear, Moses instructed them to not be afraid.
Exodus 14:13
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Letting go of your fear shows that you trust God. It also builds up your faith, an act that is pleasing to God who continues to fight on your behalf.
2. Move Ahead and Do What God has Told You Irrespective of Any Feelings of Fear
If fear is not from God, then we should not entertain it. It doesn’t mean it will not knock our doors; however, God has commanded us to slam the door on fear when it comes calling. So, if God has told you to do something, go ahead and do it regardless.
God told the Israelites to move forward when Pharaoh was behind them and the Red Sea was ahead of them. Don’t look at the size of circumstances; look at the size of your God.
3. Stand on God’s Word
365 times in the Bible, it says “fear not.” There is command from God for every day of the year telling us that we should not fear. Imagine that!
For the children of Israel, the Promised Land had everything they could possibly desire, but there were giants to conquer. The Israelites had to lay aside their fears if they were to get to the Promised Land. Do you now see why it was important that God said to Joshua the following as he prepared to lead them to Canaan?
Joshua 1:9
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Not only did He command that Joshua was not to be afraid, He also promised to be with him every step of the way. And God has promised that to each of his children.
Isaiah 41:10
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
When fear comes, stand in faith knowing that God is with you every step of the way to help you accomplish what He has asked you to do.
Contact Anchor of Hope Ministries by calling (306) 940-9554 to learn more about how God has equipped believers to deal with fear. We welcome the opportunity to be a help to you.
