We all have times that we fear the future and what it will hold. We all have times when we are weak and we believe the lies instead of the truth! But there is a truth that is so fundamental we cannot deny it, and it has to do with how we face each day! This Sunday my pastor taught on this, and it is so very important that I want to share it with you!
Fear can take over and destroy your life. I have been guilty of it myself, saying "I cant do that, I'm afraid _____ will happen!" so I choose not to. But this very specific statement is what keeps us from seeing our destinies happen. I know for sure that I have held myself back from blessings, and from seeing my hearts desires come true. There is nothing more heartbreaking than knowing God had a gift for me and I said to Him "I don't want it, I'd rather sit here and worry some more about my life."
You see there is a voice that whispers things in your ear throughout your day, and these are all lies! They are lies that play upon your fears... but guess what, only you get the choice to either believe them or deny them! Satan wants you, and he is pursuing you on a minute by minute basis, unless you tell him he has to leave! Satan wants to destroy you, he wants to see you in Hell for eternity, and the best way to do that is to heighten your fears!
Fear can take over and destroy your life. I have been guilty of it myself, saying "I cant do that, I'm afraid _____ will happen!" so I choose not to. But this very specific statement is what keeps us from seeing our destinies happen. I know for sure that I have held myself back from blessings, and from seeing my hearts desires come true. There is nothing more heartbreaking than knowing God had a gift for me and I said to Him "I don't want it, I'd rather sit here and worry some more about my life."
You see there is a voice that whispers things in your ear throughout your day, and these are all lies! They are lies that play upon your fears... but guess what, only you get the choice to either believe them or deny them! Satan wants you, and he is pursuing you on a minute by minute basis, unless you tell him he has to leave! Satan wants to destroy you, he wants to see you in Hell for eternity, and the best way to do that is to heighten your fears!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Fear can only operate when there is confusion in your life. Confusion is defined as: being unclear or indistinct, jumbled up, to fail to distinguish between, or to associate by mistake. Can you see now who the author of confusion is? Satan is known for taking the truth (which is something we know) and wrapping it around a lie to make it seem true. He did this very well to Eve in the garden:
One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame. Genesis 3:1-7 (NLT)
When you are faced with confusion, its your job to confront it head on and match it up with truths that you can stand firm on! When you concentrate on confusion you become fearful. Fear is preventing you from winning at life. You have to stand up and fight your fear so your heart and mind can be free!
Faith is the opposite of fear. If you live your life fully trusting and believing (having faith) that God is watching out for you, then you automatically dominate fear, and then you are free! Faith comes from the renewing of your mind, which is to continually pray about your life and yourself, and to read your bible. Faith with obedience is the greatest combination because if you can have faith that God has your back, and then live a life that follows His standards He will bless you beyond measure!
Faith is the opposite of fear. If you live your life fully trusting and believing (having faith) that God is watching out for you, then you automatically dominate fear, and then you are free! Faith comes from the renewing of your mind, which is to continually pray about your life and yourself, and to read your bible. Faith with obedience is the greatest combination because if you can have faith that God has your back, and then live a life that follows His standards He will bless you beyond measure!
You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 28: 2 (NLT)
(Read the whole chapter and you will see all the wonderful blessings that God has for you, and is just waiting to give you!)
So choose today to FEAR NOT! Instead choose to have faith and trust that God is holding you safely in His arms! Walk in the victory that God has planned for you, and do today as if your victory has already happened.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Father God I pray that you would lift up those who are filled with fear. Give them an open heart, and help them to choose faith instead. Father thank you for showing us that when we choose your gifts instead of choosing to sit and worry, we are rewarded with such amazing blessings! Lord we know that fear and confusion do not come from you, but that faith and trust and hope do! I ask now that we would be able to see the light that faith and trust and hope bring. I love you Lord! In the precious and holy name of Jesus I pray. Amen.