Some of us have struggle with fear most of our lives. We fear what has happened to others will happen to us. We fear the unknown of the future for our children and grandchildren. We fear the prevalent evil that is all around our nation and communities. We fear losing our jobs and suffering financial ruin.

Yet, we are not given the spirit of fear from God. He has given us the power through the Spirit, the unconditional love of God and the ability to walk in self-control. Fear will never bring us freedom in any way, shape, or form. Instead it will torment us, rob us of peace, sleep, and contentment in our relationship with God and other people.

Satan uses many strategies to plant in our minds why it is okay for us to fear. Yet, his intention is to bind us under his power so that we are unable to step out in faith and trust in the Lord. Fear is not our friend.

When we are tempted to be filled with fear, we can overcome by God’s word, prayer, and power of the Holy Spirit.

First, we overcome by God’s word because perfect love casts out all fear.1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

Second, we overcome by prayer because 1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

Third, we overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit because Luke 10:19-20 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Can’t make me afraid…

Prayer

Dear Lord, I don’t want to walk in fear, but instead to walk in faith. Strengthen me through the power of the Holy Spirit to live in confidence of Your perfect love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,