We're still looking at how we react and the fact that fearfulness keeps us from obeying God's instruction to "be still" and let Him handle the unfair treatment we often face.
It must be said that not all fear is evil. Indeed, we have been called to fear the Lord and spent a series of weeks considering the importance of the fear of the Lord for believers. We also know that 'fear' as an instinct keeps us from doing certain things such as sticking our hands into a campfire or walking across a six-lane highway during rush hour.
However, there is fear that is ungodly. This is the type of trepidation that stops people from trusting God's power and capacity to solve their problems. This is the sort of fear that flings a person, practically unthinking, into reacting instead of listening for God's instruction.
That fear, that emotion, which causes you to react to it instead of reacting to God, is rebellion. Why? Because God's word has called us to not be afraid.
Remember the verses shared by others on Friday? Most of them contained the terms "do not be afraid" or "have no fear". Those aren't just recommendations, they are instructions, though given in a loving and reassuring manner. God did that because He is kind. Nevertheless, in one way or another the Lord has called us to not be controlled by fear. We therefore must obey.
Praise God that He knows this is something we will struggle with and in His mercy He does not disqualify us on this issue. Consider Peter, the disciple of Jesus. Despite having had a front row seat to Jesus's power, Peter denied the Savior three times in a night. The reason for this was fear. And yet, the Lord redeemed Him, calling him to take his place in ministry despite his previous failures (John 21).
That grace is available to all who have succumbed to fear or may even yet. We receive and exist in that grace through Jesus Christ, which is why it is crucial to believe in Him and submit to His authority. For then we become of Christ who is of the Lord and receive His Holy Spirit, who teaches us how to overcome fear.
In that knowledge, we shall proclaim that we will no longer be subject to the spirit of fear. We shall fight that spirit with the word of God and our submission to His will, IJMN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship!
Read more about the "Be Still" Series:
Be Still: Unfair Treatment (Pt. 1) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 11, 2022
Be Still (Unfair Treatment): Fearfulness Pt 2 - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) November 15, 2022
Be Still (Unfair Treatment): Fight Fear Pt 3 - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 18, 2022
Be Still (Unfair Treatment) Your Reaction Pt 5 - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 25, 2022