Moving From Fear To Faith
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- Category: Ladies Devotional Studies
- Published on Saturday, 28 January 2012 16:07
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Moving beyond fear to faith
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Fear, by definition, is an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear was only intended to be a momentary emotion arousing us to action. Yet, many live their lives in a constant state of fear. They fear losing their jobs, trying new ventures, the economy, not being liked by others, how their children will turn out, if their spouse will remain faithful, if they will contract a dreaded disease, and the list goes on and on. Being gripped by fear is an awful state to be in. Fear is unhealthy physically and emotionally, paralyzes our potential, stuns both our spiritual and professional growth and it tends to nurture toxic relationships. No matter what has you fearful, trusting in God is the answer to all our fears. Here are a few principles that can help you manage your fears by faith.
1. Make God your focus. God is bigger than the biggest issue that you are facing or ever will face. Realize that he is the answer and the power source you need to handle all that life brings your way.
a. Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
b. Isaiah 41:10 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.
c. Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
2. Take an objective look at the situation through the eyes of faith. Is your situation really as bad as you originally thought? Shine the light of God’s word on the matter to expose those things lurking in the darkness for what they truly are so that we are not deceived by False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.)
a. Psalms 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
b. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
c. 1 John 4:18 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.
d. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
3. Prepare for victory by faith. What are the steps you can take right now to better your future? Pray for wisdom to discern whether God would have you take some type of action or be still and simply trust Him. Once the strategy is planned, come what may; do not deviate from the voice of God.
a. Psalms 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
b. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
c. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
4. Determine not to fear failure. Failure is not final. Failure is a part of the growth process of life and it teaches us valuable skills from the lessons we learn which equip us to succeed in the future. It also provides us with the time tested experience which can be shared with others to coach them along life’s journey.
a. Joshua 1:9 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.
b. Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
c. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
5. Conquer the enemy that is in-a-me. Are you thinking negative thoughts or positive constructive ones that affirm your faith in an all-powerful God? Realize the enemy of the mind. Your number one enemy can be the in-a-me inside yourself. Many times we talk ourselves into a state of fear by dwelling on “what if” and “if only I had.” Make a positive shift to affirm hope and trust in God.
a. Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
b. Isaiah 41:10 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.
c. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
As we submit to absolute trust in a loving God, fear of the unknown will fade and we will gain the confidence to make the necessary changes needed. Making a change does not require the total absence of fear, but the faith to courageously trust God to see you through.
Truth Baptist Church – Ladies Fellowship
January 21, 2012
Terri Carter, pastor’s wife