FEAR IS NOT AN ENEMY THAT CANNOT BE CONQUERED

BIBLE PASSAGE:
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)

MEDITATION:
There is a phrase often seen on church signs,
    “Know Christ, know peace; no Christ, no peace”
When we read the scriptures, it makes sense, doesn’t it?
The word “peace” is referenced almost 250 times.

One of the greatest deterrents to peace, is fear. Fear can grip us
so tightly that we are not useful to the Lord. We can fear being
rejected by others for our faith. We have a can fear of leaving
our comfort zone and stepping out on faith to do whatever God
calls us to do. Satan can increase our apprehensions into full
blown fears in his efforts to detain, and/or discourage us from
serving the Lord.

However, the Lord can give us a peace that overcomes our fears.
Even though Paul was thrown into prison, his Christians friends
developed a confidence in the Lord that helped them to overcome
their fears.
    And because of my chains, most of the brothers and
    sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare
    all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
    (Philippians 1:14)

Peter encouraged other Christians to not allow the pressures or threats
from others to create a fear in them that would discourage them from
doing what is right. He also reminded them that they would be blessed
for doing the right things.
    But even if you should suffer for what is right,
    you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do
    not be frightened.”
    (1 Peter 3:14)

The scriptures tell us love and fear cannot coexist. Why?
Because love drives out the fear.
    There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives
    out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
    The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
    (1 John 4:18)

ACTION:
Do you feel the Lord has called you to a specific area of service?
Have you refused to serve Him in that area due to fear, or the
uneasiness of leaving your comfort zone?

Remember that when God calls you to serve Him, it is your
opportunity to exercise your faith. Don’t allow fear of failure
to cause you to miss out on the blessings available for those
who serve. Increase the love in your heart, so that fear can be
driven out and completely removed as a deterrent for serving
the Lord.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for failing to answer Your call
for me to serve You due to fear. Increase my love and give me
confidence to serve You in whatever capacity You want me to
serve. I look forward to new blessings as I commit to answering
Your call specifically for me.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.com