|
|
|
|
The Fear Factor - part 1 of 2 Fear is the complete opposite, and the greatest enemy, of faith. In the good fight of faith we often raise our banner of victory, signifying that we have overcome the world and Satan; but have we yet allowed God to deal with our fears? (Psa 27:1-5 KJV) “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Fear is a factor of self. To operate in faith, we must let the Spirit of God guide us in overcoming the fears that keep us from reaching our full potential in Christ. Reactions for self-defense and self-preservation are triggered by inner fears and cause people to be self-serving. That greatly hinders us from serving Jesus Christ, because almost everything He asks of us causes us to face and overcome our natural fears. We think that we are willing and able to do anything for Christ until He says something like, “If someone hits you on the left side of your face, offer them the right side to hit as well.” Or, “Give and don’t expect anything in return.” Or, “Bless and pray for those that persecute you, and use you, and speak evil of you.” God does not wink at disobedience. When He says something He means it. We cannot say, “I am just not there yet.” We may never be fearless, but we can certainly overcome the strongholds of fear from which Christ died to set us free from. The devil will continue to rule areas of our actions and reactions if we do not learn how to war in this area. (1 Pet 5:8-9 KJV) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” When a lion is hunting, it starts by chasing its prey. If it realizes that the victim is faster, and is getting away, the lion lets out a fierce roar, and the fear in the quarry is so great that it actually causes them to trip, or even paralyzes them, causing them to be caught and devoured. This is synonymous with our battle against evil, and the old fear-filled nature. We must exercise our faith against our fears so that the Kingdom of God will be manifested. (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV) “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” When the Lord has asked us to do something, He will be there with us through it. But unless we strive to cast down every thought that is contrary to what He is saying, we will continue to live far below our potential, missing out on many parts of our inheritance. We must stop treating the word of God like a condiment (just adding it to our life) and start treating it like our main course (the source of our sustenance). Remember, we are in an all out war, so cast down the fear, and be lifted up in the faith. - Kurt Thurston July Newsletter 2002 | Warfare Prayer | The Fear Factor part 1 of 2 Pastor's Journal July 2001 | Keeping Honor part 1 of 2 | The Jaundiced Eye part 1 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
|
|
Copyright © 1995-2007 Living Word Christian
Fellowship, Inc.
|
