Saturday, June 11, 2011

There is no FEAR in Love

Fear is something in the life of a Christian that can cripple or devastate their spiritual walk. Not to mention affect their day to day life as well.

We’ve all had an encounter with the spirit of fear at some point in our lives. Today we are prayerfully going to look at what causes us to fear and what the Bible has to say to you and I about fear.

1. Fear of the unknown.

Fear of the unknown can happen upon anyone who doesn’t have their complete trust in the Lord. They don’t know what to expect or what the future holds. They fear they are not ready to face what lies ahead or if they will be able to make it through the unexpected. Often times these kinds of pre- thinkers imagine something in their future to be worse and worse in their minds. They feel they are not ready to handle whatever may come their way. Or that something will happen to them that is out of their control. Some people are also afraid to grow up and take on responsibilities and move on with their life. They are afraid of change and an unknown future and assume the worst. That fear causes someone to stay the same with no spiritual growth that comes from learning from mistakes and experiences in life.

THE BIBLE SAYS: Romans 8: 15, “You did not receive a spirit which makes you a slave again to fear, but you receive the spirit of son ship.”

Hebrews 13: 6, “We say with confidence, the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”



2. Fear of Failure

A lot of people are afraid of trying new things. Or they procrastinate and say that one day... they will do this or that... to become who they want to be. But they never make the first step toward facing new challenges, and working hard at their dreams, even when it gets messy. They are afraid that they won’t make it, that they will fail and let someone else or themselves down. So, they either never start or they quit before they gave themselves a fair chance at succeeding. Have you ever heard the saying, “you’re not a failure until you fail to try?” It’s so true. Even when we make mistakes or fail at times, we learn a lot and we will do much better the next time. It wasn’t for nothing. And hey, maybe you’ll try something new and you will soar right through it because it’s what you were born to do! When you face a new challenge don’t cop out and give up so easily. Give it your best shot, and see it through to the end. You’ll be glad you did.

THE BIBLE SAYS: “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and hep you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41: 10.

2 Timothy 1: 7, “God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self- discipline.”



3. Fear of man

Worrying about what others think of you in life, is a snare the Bible says. You constantly watch what you say around other people, how you act and how you look. Often time’s people are trying so hard to impress everyone else that they lose who they are. They can’t even be free to be themselves, if who they are is a little different or weird to some people. Doing what everyone else wants you to do and neglecting who you really are is a recipe to an unhappy and unsatisfying life. You feel like you have to fake a smile or put on a show and act like you’ve got it all together. Even at church you feel like you can’t let the walls come down and be real and let people know instead of hiding that you’re struggling. When you are trapped by the fear of man it is very dangerous because man’s opinion and attitudes towards you becomes more important than what GOD thinks of you. What does God say about us? He loves us just the way we are, and receives us no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. God loves us even with all our quirks and made you unique. There is only one YOU. That makes you special. Embrace who you are and be who God created you to be.

THE BIBLE SAYS: Luke 12: 32, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for the Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”

1 John 4: 18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.”



4. Fear of falling

There’s a song (by Superchick) that says if I get up I might fall back down again, so let’s get back up. As a Christian we don’t want to or plan on falling or failing our Lord. Our hearts desire is to please Him and keep our feet planted on that narrow road. We know that the Bible says that the heart of man is desperately wicked and that folly is bound up in the heart of a child. We also know that there is a spiritual battle that we are in the middle of that is waging for our soul. Not only that but our flesh (sinful nature) and wants often come into opposition with what God wants for us. Fewf! That’s a lot to cover. But greater is He that is in us. At times when we will fail, we promise ourselves that we won’t do it again. But we cannot do it on our own... through our own efforts or attempts not to slip up. It takes more than that.... we need to ABIDE in Christ. When we are faced with a little or a big choice that may not glorify God, we need to pray ourselves out of it, and remove our selves from the situation. Being obedient to Christ before we are led into sin. The more you remain and grow in Christ the less you will fail and make mistakes. You have the power and authority that Jesus has given you, the Holy Spirit in you. But remember that if you do fall to get back up and keep going... don’t give up! God is completing that good work in us till the day of Christ Jesus... so that means He will be working in us until we make Heaven our home, we’re a work in progress. Amen.

THE BIBLE SAYS: Romans 8: 28, 31, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purlpose, what then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Lamentations 3: 57- 58, “You came near when I called you and you said, “Do not fear.” Oh Lord, you took up my case, you redeemed my life.”

Psalms 31: 24, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”



Cast all your fears and anxieties on the Lord for He cares for you. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Do not ne anxious in anything, but in everything, with prayer an petitions and thanksgiving present your requests to God.



-given to Kristin McLeod by the Holy Spirit.