So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10, NIV)
Losing everything after an abusive marriage and divorce created a bunch of fears in me. During this season, my fears met the true strength of my faith. I had to choose to believe in imperfect people, including myself and the world, or cling to God and seek his wisdom, direction, strength, and trust in his provision.
Facing Fear
God created our emotion of fear as a warning sign and energy to help us physically, with adrenalin, if needed. We are imperfect and live in a broken world influenced by the devil and his sinful, evil ways. One of the enemy’s favorite tools to use on us is the thoughts and emotions of fear. He uses this unchecked emotion to influence us to react or to deceive us into focusing on our imperfect selves, others, or the sinful world for answers.
Never forget the devil’s goal for us, “to kill still and destroy” us on earth and for eternity. (John 10:10, NIV) He will use any means possible, including making us think that if we are in control, we will eliminate our fears. However, the illusion and lie of control corral us into being self-focused instead of God-focused.
As disciples of Jesus, we have the wisdom, strength, and power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit living inside of us, but we must seek him with our whole hearts. We can choose what to do with our emotions of fear through God’s wisdom. Although God created our feeling of fear, we must know the following realities that can help us use the energy of our fears with Jesus to overcome and dissolve them. Let’s look at these realities.
- Fear is a real emotion and must be identified and acknowledged.
- Fear has no brain. It must be evaluated with God’s wisdom and scripture.
- Fear creates energy, and it must be used.
- You have nothing to fear when God is with you, not even death.
Following Christ’s Example Helps Us Overcome
Jesus lived as fully human. He understands more than anyone how fear can overwhelm, paralyze, or lead you down the wrong trail. Jesus knew he would face crucifixion. He asked God for another way, but Jesus chose to trust and follow God.
Jesus chose to seek God first and surrender to his will regardless of the crucifixion he would face. He decided to trust and ask God for the strength to save the world. Because Jesus dissolved his human fears through knowing God’s pure love, we have the promise of salvation and eternity with him in heaven forever!
Being a disciple of Jesus is the hardest thing you will do and, yet, the most rewarding. Jesus tells us.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NLT)
Jesus showed us how to live in trust and remain faithful to our loving, faithful, Father, God because Jesus is proof that his ways are best. We must trust God, like Jesus, regardless of what happens to us on earth. Our time on earth is but a second compared to eternity. God’s word tells us that our challenges and tests help us build our faith and slowly transform us into the likeness of Christ as we walk with him daily.
Only You Can Choose What to Do with Your Fear
There is no way to avoid feeling fear throughout your life. When it rises up, what will you do? Will you truly be Christ’s disciple and follow his example of staying loyal to your Father, God, regardless of the consequences you face? One of the biggest fears people have is what happens when they die. When you are Christ’s disciple, there is no need to fear.
I will say, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God." (Psa. 56:3-4, NLT)
Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3, ASV
Who will you turn to when fear wells up in you?
