Fear is an emotion caused by the belief that something or someone poses a threat to us. We can all remember feeling this destructive emotion at some time, and we’re familiar with how it affects our ability to do what needs to be done. Fear in any area is never okay, especially if it keeps us from fulfilling God’s mission for us. However, trusting His Word to us in this area strengthens us to overcome it and keep moving forward.
We’re not ordinary people, but children of God, Himself. When we truly believe this, fear loses its grip on us. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father”(Romans 8:15). The spirit of fear causes us to weaken our resolve and shrink back. The Spirit of God enables us to overcome whatever adversity or trouble presents itself.
Fear is from the devil, and it’s the enemy to our faith. It directly contradicts the Word. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”(2 Timothy 1:7). When we’re afraid to do something we know we should do, that’s the time we must stop and reflect on this Scripture. Meditating on it gives us strength and courage.
Satan uses fear as a weapon to disrupt our faith. He wants us to question and doubt everything God says to us. If he can get us to the point of unbelief, he can move us away from trusting God. God is the very essence of love, however; when we’re in Him, we’re safe from the emotional damage fear can inflict. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
When we’re in a situation and feel the cold grip of fear in the pit of our stomachs, we’re prevented from having the peace of mind God wants for us. Lack in any area isn’t God’s will, especially a lack of peace. Jesus came so that we might find peace in Him. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Life can send us trouble at any time, but as believers, we never have to be afraid of it. The kind of life God wants for us is never passive or timid. It’s filled with wonder, excitement, adventure, but most of all, victory. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (John 10:10, AMPC).
We can depend on God to always be there when we need Him. He delivers us from trouble, no matter what happens. Our full trust in His ability and willingness to rescue us when we need help gives us peace. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Fear and trust don’t mix: trust in God is much more powerful.
We don’t have to tolerate fear. Living in God’s will for our lives keeps us safe from it. The courage we receive from Him isn’t due to the absence of fear, but the ability to move past it. This is what a victorious life is all about.