For this reason, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you...for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace. (2 Timothy 1:6-9)
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Fear is not my friend.
It never has been.
It never will be.
It has been a huge part of my story since I was a little girl. Fear has done nothing but reek havoc on my life, paralyzing me in a web of lies and confusion. It has gripped me into believing the worst instead of focusing on truth. It has kept me from stepping out into God's best at times and has hindered my passion to pursue and love the way Christ has commanded. It has caused me to fear the unknown and what is to come...
It is NOT MY FRIEND or YOURS. It is, however, a friend to the biggest deceiver, Satan himself.
But God, in His goodness and relentless pursuit of me, has set me on a journey to break free from fear! It has no hold on me any longer because the captive has been set FREE! And when the enemy tries to come at me again from time to time, the Word of God trumps any lie that comes my way!
I have learned that when I am entangled in this web, it's because I forget who my God is...I doubt His ability. I question His sovereignty. I waiver on His unfailing love for me. And sometimes, I shamefully choose to sit and stay in the comfort of it all because it has become EASY.
Battling fear can be draining. And when we try to battle in our own strength, we fall and we crumble. We become slaves to "our old friend"...fear.
These three things in 2 Timothy 1:7 - power, love and sound mind, are the recipe for defeating the enemy when dealing with a spirit of fear.
Know the POWER of the living God that lives in you! Know the LOVE of Christ that casts out ALL fear! And know the peace that stems from SELF DISCIPLINE - His peace that will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Fear cannot dwell in a heart who's mind is focused on the things of God. Everyday, we have the freedom to choose - fear or faith.
I want to leave you with this absolute truth, bathed in a promise that God will be with you NO MATTER the trial, no matter the tragedy, no matter the sorrow, no matter the pain, and no matter the fear:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do NOT be afraid; do NOT be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9
Blessings,
Declare Glory
written by: Cheryl Smith
