Fear is a crippling disease that impedes our ability to live our lives for the Lord. Because of our fears, we often fail to pursue Jesus' mandate for us to go and make disciples of all nations, as well as enjoy the life that God gave us.
Fears are powerful, but we can actually break free from them because our God is more powerful. Here are some truths that will help us bravely face our fears.
1. Christ Has Broken The Power Of Fear
Our fears all stem from the fear of eternal death. It's common knowledge that everyone dies, but more common than that is the fear of the prospect of eternal suffering; hence humanity's struggle to find ways to avoid death and enjoy life. Whether religions and faith systems admit it or not, the truth is that all men fear death.
Christ, however, broke the power of death, and only those who believe and accept Him can enjoy it. Hebrews 2:14b-15 tells us, "For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying."
2. The Spirit That Raised Christ From The Dead Lives In Us
If Christ broke the power of death by dying, He defied all hopelessness and fear in His resurrection. He extends this hope to us in this: that we have living inside us the same power that raised Him from the grave.
Romans 8:11 tells us, "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."
3. God Is With Us And Will Never Abandon Us
Christ broke the power of death for us. The Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives us. These truths are already enough to empower us to walk in freedom, but God wants us to be so secure that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. And because He never breaks any promise, we can be sure that when we are in the face of our fears, we can face it bravely.
Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
