I find that fear is a weapon the enemy loves to pull out of his bag of tricks time and time again no matter how long you've been walking with the Lord. A review of reasons we should be fearless is crucial.
For example, look at Matthew 10. Three times in seven verses we are told not to fear.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.Matthew 10:25-31 (NKJV)
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
At the time Jesus spoke this, He was commissioning the 12 disciples to go out unto the lost house of Israel and preach that the kingdom of God is at hand. They were to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead. They were to rely on the hospitality of those who accepted their message.
I'd be a little apprehensive of these instructions. "What? No carry-on luggage? No secret stash of cash? No debit or credit cards in case no one takes me in? You mean, I can't take extra outfits in case what I'm wearing is too wrinkled or I drop a taco on it?"
"WHAT IF I TAKE THE WRONG SHOES?"
But I can't expect to be treated better than my Lord and master was treated.
What I must remember is that nothing can harm me apart from the Lord's will. His plan and purposes WILL get done. Does that mean I will never have to suffer? No. He does not promise a pain-free life. He HAS promised this:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purposeRomans 8:28 (NKJV)
He's also promised we will be more than conquerors. We can overcome even persecution through Him. (Read Romans 8:37-39)
And, He also reassures us how valuable we are to Him. He is a God of detail, who not only knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, He even keeps track of the amount of hairs on our head! That fact alone boggles my mind - I'm sure my hair-count changes hourly ...
The point is, if you are doing the will of the Father, you have nothing to fear. He will enable you to accomplish what He has called you to do.
Fear not, chickie, you are of great value to Him!
~~~
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Fear of missing out is a toughie. And also fear of not packing everything I need for a trip. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jerralea ... speaking of fear, I've been sharing this song right and left today ...
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k
Wonderful wisdom in this post. I'm a planner partially because of the fear of the unknown and not be ready. But I don't need to be God is ready. Thank you. Maree
ReplyDeleteAmen! Thank you for the encouragement, Jerralea! It was just what I needed today :).
ReplyDeleteWhy is fear such a pest? It sneaks in when I'm not looking and tries to take up residence. Thank you for pointing us to the One who takes care of all our fear.
ReplyDeleteFear sneaks in and it's always a good reminder not to fear and to trust. Hope your April is starting well.
ReplyDelete