I have to confess to you. Last night I went to bed at 9:30. I never go to bed that early, usually it is 11:30 or 12:00. This is not what I want to confess. For the first time in a long, long time, I went to bed with fear in my heart. Why? For a moment, I took my focus off of who is really in control and what matters most in this life.
When was mankind introduced to fear? When he took his mind off God and let sin enter the world by his disobedience. In Genesis chapter 3:7-11 God asked Adam, "where are you?" and Adam said, "I heard your voice and was afraid". Why was he afraid? He had sinned and saw himself naked before God.
The only fear that God wants us to have is to fear Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 " Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all"; Psalms 111:10 " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; Isaiah 8:13 "The Lord of host, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."; Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."; in verse 31 Christ says ,"Do not fear ..." and in Hebrews 13:6 "So we may boldly say", "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (all verses are taken from the NKJV)
There are many more passages we could look at, but these are enough to make a point. Should we fear anything other than God? Which do Americans fear more today, what's happening to their material possessions or God? I only hear the news media talking about the economy and upcoming election. The only time I hear God mentioned by the news media is in a negative way. No wonder we are having problems.
I remember one time when one of my daughter's was learning how to swim. I told her to jump in the water, and I would catch her. She would not do it because her fear was greater than her faith in me catching her. Remember the story when God tested Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. God told him to take his only son Issac and offer him as a burnt offering to Him. Abraham's faith in God was stronger than the fear he had of losing his son. Not only did God know how strong Abraham's faith was, but Abraham also knew. Then we have in the the book of Luke chapter 22 Peter told Jesus he was ready to go with Him to prison and even to death. Peter thought that he had a strong faith. When they carried Jesus away Peter followed at a distance. He warmed himself in the courtyard by the fires of the world. When they accused Peter of being with Jesus, he denied him three times. Peter's fear of the world was stronger than his faith in his Lord.
God is our creator, He is sovereign, and He is definitely in control. We as Christians need to never forget this. We do not need to dishonour Him by fearing what man can do to us over fearing Him. We please Him when we have faith. (Hebrews 11:6) Satan tries to weaken our faith by increasing our fears.
One very important scripture, that was brought to my attention today, is found in John 17:23, in the later part of the verse, Jesus says to the father, "You have loved them as You have loved Me". Do you realize what He said? God loves you and me just as much as He loves His Son. Does this not make your faith in our heavenly Father greater than any worldly fear you might have today?
We are Christians. Let us not fear. God loves us and I trust that He will also take care of us. God told Joshua in Joshua chapter 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".
God is stronger and more powerful than anything Satan can do to us. Let us trust Him, get this country respecting and fearing Him again, and sleep good tonight knowing He loves us. May your faith always be stronger than your fear.
I hope this helps you increase your faith and conquer any fears this world may send your way. Please pass on to others and send your comments to rhepler52@gmail.com .
Thanks and have a good day!
Rick Hepler
