Devotion from "Thirsty for Him"

I did not write this. This is one of the daily devotions that I get. I thought it was so good, I had to share!

Internet Cafe Devotions
Fear VS. Faith
Posted: 02 Sep 2008 12:15 AM CDT
We are intrigued by fear, aren’t we? We tune into TV shows like “Fear Factor,” ride the most thrilling roller coasters, and watch scary movies. We cheer the prospect of being victorious in overcoming our fears.But real life fears can be different, seizing us and consuming our lives. I have a friend who confessed that she is gripped by fear, afraid of making mistakes as a mom and things happening to her children. Although she didn’t like the feelings of fear, it was apparent that she had come to a place of “living in it.” And, as she shared these feelings with a group of women, they drew the conclusion that fear is just a “normal” part of life and something we just have to live with.Or is it?What if……What if it is NOT God’s plan for us to be afraid? What if fear is a ploy of the enemy to keep us in bondage, preventing us from experiencing true faith?Fear is a choice. Are we going to live in it? Are we going to be in bondage to it?The Bible tells of people who stood on faith, even when the most “logical” reaction to their circumstances would have been fear. Moses, Esther, Daniel, David, Jesus! Usually, life didn’t improve immediately when they chose faith over fear, but instead got worse! When our circumstances go from “bad to worse,” we need to continue to look to God, trusting in His plan, even if it “looks” different than we expect.You may be wondering, “How do I CHOOSE faith or fear? I don’t have control over fear. I can’t help what I feel!”First, we have to understand that God doesn’t want us to fear. He commands us continually to “fear not.” So, if fear isn’t from God, then what IS fear and where does it come from?Webster’s defines “fear” as “a painful emotion excited by apprehension of impending danger; dread.” Fear is an emotion. We can control our emotions without THEM controlling us. Maybe you doubt that you have any say when it comes to your emotions. But, you control emotions all the time. Have you ever felt like crying in a public place, but you held back the tears? You know, biting your cheeks, breathing deeply until the tears subsided? You restrained the emotional feeling. Or have you ever felt like laughing but it wasn’t an appropriate time, so you pushed away the desire? We “rein in” our emotions all the time in daily life, often without even thinking about it. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit that comes with a relationship with God.It helps to know where most fear comes from. There is Godly fear that is good if it is keeping us from harm. But, most times fear is a tool used by the enemy to weaken our faith. If you believe that you don’t have any control over your fear, the enemy can keep you in bondage to it. If I believe that I can’t do anything about fear, then I sink deeper into a pit of desperation, feeling like there is no way out. How do I replace fear with faith?The first step to overcoming fear is to cry out to the Lord for help. “Perfect love casts out fear.” Who is perfect love? God is love! When we put our trust in God, He will help us to break through the fear, doing what He has called us to do. I don’t have the power to overcome my fear on my own, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all of my fears.”Psalm 34:4The next step to conquering fear is take authority over the enemy. Claim the power and authority you have in the name and the blood of Jesus as a child of God. The devil loves to prey on us when we are weak- tired, discouraged, sick, or emotional- imprisoning us to fear. We need to tell him to get lost!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is thestronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, myheart will not fear. Though war break out against me, even then will I beconfident.” Psalm 27:1-3We also need to replace lies with Truth. So often we build up circumstances in our minds until we have blown them up into imaginary monsters. Instead, we need to believe, speak, and live God’s Truth. When Jesus was tested in the wilderness, He battled Satan with the Word, quoting scripture. We need to do the same!Name the fear. Don’t allow feelings of fear to remain hidden in secret places.Replace the fear with truth. Speak out loud what God says about you and your circumstances.Get an arsenal of scripture to meditate on and use to strengthen you. Here are a few:
“I am strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”“He that is in me (Jesus)is greater than he that is in the world (Satan).”“I am more than aconqueror in Christ Jesus.”“If God is for me, than who dare be against me?”“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”“Fear of man will prove tobe a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”“In God whose nameI praise, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”If we are going to choose faith over fear, then, as we put off fear, we must put ON faith. Romans tells us that ALL of us, every one has been “given a measure of faith.” All believers have been given faith by God. Romans also tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. When we meditate on God’s Word, it increases our faith! Finally, we need to continue to ask God to increase our faith and then to practice putting our trust in Him.
Father God, thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus! Thank You that because You are on m side, I have nothing to fear! Lord, help me to take courage in You. Help me to face all of mu fears, becoming fearless. Forgive m lack of faith. Fill me with more faith. In Christ's Name I pray. Amen.
Questions to Ponder
1. What is it that you fear? Name your fear, asking the Holy Spirit to bring any hidden fears to your mind.
2. Do you believe that God can overcome all of these fears, any obstacle you may be facing in life?
3. What does God's Word say about your personal circumstance? Find at least 2 bible verses that address your fear. If you are battling fears about being a good mother, what are God's promises to you as a parent?