In The Choosing - Choose Well

There’s practical fear, a gift of God; that fear that protects us from impending danger.

There’s a reverent fear, such as the fear of the Lord.

Then there’s the fear the enemy uses to enslave us.

Today, via DVD, Charles Stanley taught from Isaiah 41:10-13* and said, "Fear doesn’t fit you, don’t put it on." He also said that we’re not to live in fear while we live around things that cause fear. When you hear bad news, take your mind off of what you fear and quickly refocus on this: “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

We are defined by what we fear; absurd, but true. If you’re afraid of tight spaces, you’re claustrophobic. Arachnophobics fear spiders. And those who fear failure are usually called failures.

Are you afraid you won’t be able to find a new job or that the relationship you’re in won’t last? Are you afraid your children will get hurt? Sometimes we don’t even know what we’re afraid of.

Mr. Stanley listed six sources of the enslaving kind of fear the enemy brings: sin - its consequences; fears we’ve been taught (consciously or subconsciously); our imagination; ignorance of God’s Word; doubt – disregarding God’s promises; and poor self-image. We could talk quite a bit on each one.

But this is where communication with God is essential. We can ask Him anything, from what am I so afraid of, to where did this fear come from? And His answers may come more quickly than you think they will. What is He saying to you? Don’t seek what He’s telling someone else, seek Him, and seek His will for your life. I could take your fear and search the scriptures for what God says about it. But that’s exactly what He wants you to do. Then choose to believe what He says.

*Isaiah 41:10-13 (NIV) - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”