Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Often fear can become a big player in us giving up on our dreams. Maybe we fear that we will make the wrong decision, so we never step out and make a decision. Maybe we fear people and rejection and so it keeps us from doing the things God has placed on our hearts.
What is it that we fear? I have dealt with some fear in my life on the surface, I fear tight enclosed places, but down deeper, maybe the fear is loss of control. I think many of us fear failure, rejection or even pain. At times I think we even fear speaking from the depth of our hearts, because we want to be accepted and loved. Fear can trap us. It takes away our power, and the Lord said that He didn't give us fear, but power.
Fear, as an emotion, will come at us from time to time. It will try to stop us dead in our tracks. Fear will keep us tethered, like a ball tethered to a pole. It can only go in circles, it can't really fly and the Lord wants us, as believers to soar.
In Paul's statement to Timothy, you might note that he doesn't say that God is referring to those strong, courageous, powerful, or influential people. He simply refers to us. The Lord did not give "us" a spirit of fear. The Lord is speaking of you and me. I believe that the Lord wants us to look fear straight in the eye and see it for what it is and for what it isn't. The spirit of fear is not something that has come from our Creator.
Fear is a tool the enemy likes to use to stop us. He knows that if he can get us afraid he can keep us from doing great things for God. It is something that satan uses to try . It can literally put a roadblock in your life, as you find yourself tethered to it going in circles.
The Bible says some 365 times, "Fear Not". I always wonder if that was because God knew that every day we would need a reminder that He is with us, that whatever we fear, He will walk through with us. When fear of any kind begins to try to invade our mind, and our lives, it is not the time to succumb to it, it is the time to stand, to remind ourselves that F.E.A.R. is really just False Evidence Appearing Real.
Most of the things we fear haven't even happened yet, we are dealing with false evidence. But, it can appear to be real. Remember that fear is a spirit and that it doesn't come from God.
When you’re following God’s plan for your life, it can be easy to become afraid. God often asks us to do things that feel bigger than we are. They are often out of our comfort zone and sometimes, it’s easy to want to ignore what God is telling you to do because it isn’t easy.
What is it today that you fear? What holds you back? Today, bring it before His throne and ask Him to give you healing strength, in spite of yourself. And remember that our God created us to soar.
We all need sound judgment and a disciplined mind, but we cannot achieve this by self-effort and fleshly struggling. Nor can this be developed through extra biblical training programs or webinars. But as we look to Jesus and willingly submit to the ongoing child-training and chastening work of the Holy Spirit within, we will experience an inexplicable, inner peace that passes understanding. This is the promise of God to all whose mind is resting in Christ.
The indwelling presence of the Spirit brings us power, love, and self-discipline. We shouldn't be timid. The powerful presence of our almighty God lives within us!!!
Father, thank you for this day and breath of Your Word. Lord, let Your abundant blessings flow over my friend and family today. Lord, we praise and thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit and thank You that our life is hid with Christ in God. Lord, thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power and love, and of a sound mind. Lord, may we not fear rejection or ridicule in this increasingly hostile world. Lord, please fill us with your Spirit so that we can be a person of character and compassion, demonstrating power, love, and self-discipline in our lives. Please use us to be a bold witness of Your mercy and grace to others today.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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