Are You Trapped by the Spirit of Fear?
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 (KJV)
The Lord is all powerful, and everything He asks of us comes from the wide expanse where all things are possible. So, it is understandable that often our response to what the Lord wants to accomplish through us is: “What?” Moses thought his assignment was difficult. Gideon doubted he could accomplish what the Lord said he would do. (Interesting: Rahab the harlot didn’t waver, Mary Magdalene didn’t waver, and the Gadarene demoniac wanted to follow Jesus everywhere. Hmmm: What’s that about?) Even God’s provisions are often greeted with doubt. He sent manna from Heaven. The word manna means “what?” or “what’s this?” If our children treated us this way, we would have cause for being upset with them. Doubt in the face of certainty is a form of stubborn rebelliousness and mistrust. But why should we distrust the Lord, who has so richly given us all things that pertain to life and godliness? (2 Peter 1:3). Why are we so easily intimidated by the spirit of fear?
Appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene after resurrection, Alexander Ivanov, 1835 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One reason why believers allow themselves to be intimidated by the spirit of fear is that they do not trust the Lord. Right now, you could be rolling your eyes, saying: “Well that’s not me. I trust the Lord.” Do you really? Let’s see…Make a list of the things the Lord has challenged you to do. Have you done them? Why not? Are you afraid? Has the Lord told you to move forward on an issue, but you are reluctant because you don’t see where the resources are coming from? Do you have a brother or sister (by blood, or thru the blood) who has a need that you could help with, but you haven’t offered aid? Do you pass up opportunities because you don’t see what’s in it for you? When was the last time you prayed, or praised the Lord? When was the last time you studied the word of God, or quoted a verse to yourself in a time of need? All these things are but daily expectations for authentic Christians. If your time in obedience to the Lord is lacking, it’s not too late to get with the program. Put that power, love and sound mind (sanity and common sense) to good use. The Lord is waiting…
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
– Verneda
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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