“There is no fear in love dread does not exist, but full-grown complete, perfect loveturns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fearbrings with it the thought of punishment, and so he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection.” (1 Jn 4:18, AMP)
There’s a great movie from the 80’s called, “My Body Guard.” It’s a story of a teenaged boy named Clifford Peache who moves to Chicago and begins getting harassed by bullies. He couldn’t walk the halls at school. He couldn’t walk home from school. He couldn’t go anywhere or do anything without being hassled.
After weeks of living in fear, a big kid named Ricky befriends Clifford. From then on, every time the bullies confront Clifford, Ricky emerges and stands right behind him. The bullies soon figure out not to mess with either of them.
Fear will paralyze you. Fear will keep you from living the life you were called to live. Fear will send your dreams to bed. And, most often the fear you feel is because you’ve chosen to believe a lie.
When Adam was hiding in fear from God because he was naked, God asked him, “Who told you were naked?” Fear is not a lack of faith, but misplaced faith.
The greatest antidote to fear isn’t protection, but perspective. Gehazi was cowering in fear as the enemy surrounded them. Elisha prayed, “LORD, open his eyes and let him see”. Gehazi took another look, but this time saw the forces of God surrounding the enemy and far outnumbering them.
God didn’t send Jesus to throw in the towel and call off all your fights. God sent Jesus to step into the ring and fight your battles. You don’t have to fear anything or anyone. He’s standing right next you. Show fear the door!
Add a Comment