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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
I John 4:18
Fear is something that entered the world as a result of the Fall. Before they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, the Bible says that Adam and Eve walked and talked with God being transparent to the point of nakedness. Yet after the deed was done God came to spend time with them in the cool of the evening only to find them hiding. His inquiries brought out the sad fact that their eyes had been open to things that God did not intend for them to see. At the same time, fear became a factor not only for Adam and Eve but also for all of mankind.
God found them hiding because they were naked and afraid. Thus the beginning of a battle that rages in each of our lives at one time or another. We become fearful, afraid and often times as a result we too hide from God or stand paralyzed to the point that the enemy finds us to be easy prey. It is a horrible state to be in and one we have all experienced from time to time.
I have been thinking a great deal about fear in the aftermath of all that has happened recently with the terrorist attacks, bomb scares, and the threat of biological warfare. Many Americans have been shaken to the very core of their being. People are coming to the Lord and others are coming back to the Lord. Even the sale of Bibles has risen some 40% since September 11th. Those are some of the blessings that come from an otherwise devastating occurrence. I see God’s hand at work as always to use even this terrible tragedy that He did not cause but did allow for a purpose. That purpose is to conform us into the image of His Son Jesus, according to Romans 8:28-29. My heart is warmed by many of the stories that are emerging from the rubble and I find myself thanking God for His faithfulness at all times.
I have had discussions, as all of you have, with many people on all that is happening in America. Everyone seems to want to talk about this war we are in. One thing I have noticed is that many of the people I have talked to, though they are Christians are extremely fearful. They are bogged down with fear even to the point of becoming ill with worry.
Recently I asked God why so many of His people were so afraid. His reply was “Because they are not all my people. They worship me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.” That totally blew my mind for a moment but as I studied the Word the statement became much clearer to me. I would like to share some of my findings with you:
There are several reasons why people who claim to be Children of God are very fearful at this time. Ezekiel 33:31 says “So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.” There are many folks attending church regularly who profess salvation but refuse to obey the Word of God. They say the right things but they have impure motives. Many of them have been doing this for so long that they have deceived themselves into believing that these actions make them a Christian…a Child of God. Sadly enough they are mistaken. God’s kids are known by their love for God and each other. They are also known for purity and obedience. If you are in a state of fear perhaps it is time for you to examine yourself and see that you truly are a blood bought born-again believer. If you find evidence lacking there is no time like the present to surrender to Him.
Another reason why people who claim to be Children of God are very fearful is because they have not fully accepted the love of God in their hearts. For many reasons people often have certain areas in their lives that they are not willing to let God help them deal with. That is because they are not confident of God’s love and as a result have secret areas that they want left untouched. II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Also, I John 4:18 tells us that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” If you find yourself to be ridden with anxiety and extremely fearful then you need to go to God and begin accepting His perfect love. It will cast out fear and give you a sound mind.
There is much more that could be said concerning our frailties and the reasons we find ourselves fearful. Sometimes we do not seek God in times of fear so He can deliver us. (PS 34:4) At other times we do not let the Peace of God rule our hearts and we not thankful for His blessings and Presence in our lives. (Col 3:15) People often live in fear because they are “god” in their lives and eventually experience something that is far outside their realm of control. They never really let Jesus be the Lord of their life. They never learned to walk in the Spirit. Most grievous of all they never developed a relationship with God. They did the things that they were taught when they should have sought the Lord for the truths of His Word.
The good news is that it is not too late. Many are already surrendering themselves to God and others are coming back to Him. It is my burden and the cry of my heart that the Holy Spirit will convict with an increased intensity. As He examines the heart of all who claim to be a Child of The King may the bondages of religious spirits be broken and the truth illuminated.
People need the Lord. They need Him on Sunday. They need Him on Monday too. In the good times and the bad times He alone will get people through.
I am so glad I have such an Awesome Heavenly Father. I once lived a life in bondage to fear and anxiety but He sent His Word and healed me. As we talk to people in the days ahead lets keep our spiritual antennas up. When we hear fear lets do a little investigating. This is to be a great time of harvest…even within the four walls of the church. Don’t miss it! Don’t let others miss it either.
“Fear not my Child, I have redeemed you. I have called you by name…you are MINE.” Clasp tightly onto this truth and you will see fear flee.
May it be so Father God just as Your Word said it would be!
In Jesus Name!
Amen! Amen!
©2001. Melinda L. Lancaster. All Rights Reserved.