No Fear

2 Timothy 1:7

⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words to Timothy, he was encouraging this young pastor in his ministry and in his calling.  The press and criticism and non-compliance of the people did and can get to be much on a young pastor.  Whenever we are walking in our callings, regardless of the type of calling, the walk, the press, they can all get to be heavy.  The enormity of the task can be overwhelming.  It can be downright scary.  So, we need to be encouraged along the way.

If you have been born again in the Body of Christ, then the spirit of love, power and a sound mind is your birthright.  Fear is not from God.  Moving in the things of God may make us fearful, but when we are following after the will of God in our lives, then we should not give room to the fear.  It's not part of the will.

That is not to say that things don't look scary.  It is perfectly reasonable to be afraid of the task that God has called us to.  I can imagine that walking across the Red Sea bed looking up at walls of water was overwhelming.  I'm certain that getting tied up and thrown into a burning furnace would have buckled my knees.  Being thrown into a den of lions wouldn't have brought out my brave side.  But, when we move in the will of God, we need to learn to shut out the fear and sometimes, shut out reason and take it on faith.

There is an old adage that says if you're going to pray, don't worry and if you're going to worry, don't pray.  While trite, it gets at the point.  If we are walking in the will of God, why are we worried?  We may not know the details of the deliverance, just as Moses didn't when he and the nation reached the shores of the Red Sea.  But, he knew that God had promised deliverance.

Beloved, whatever you're facing today, face God first.  Be in His presence and assured of His will for your life.  His hand on your situation should be as real to you as the situation itself.  If not, seek Him more than the problem.  The deliverance may manifest in something that a person does, but it will originate at the hand of the Father.

When Jesus prayed before His crucifixion, He prayed that we would have His peace and His joy.  He knew we would face turmoil and opposition, so instead of praying persecution away, He prayed that we would have peace and joy.  And His prayers are answered.

Today, and everyday, in your walk in Christ, peace.  After all, you and I have been give a spirit of love, power and a sound mind.

The peace of God to you.  And no fear.

2 Timothy 1:13-14King James Version (KJV)

¹³ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Lifeline is produced from the Evangelistic Ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. You are encouraged to share this message. The Fellowship Church website (www.youarechosen.net) includes a link to the Lifeline Blog (www.lifelineatfellowship.blogspot.com) where you can find previous messages.  

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Fellowship Church can be reached at chosen.gen@att.net.