Fearful or fearless?
The choice is ours.
This is a time in our world where we need to ask this question. And throughout our lives it remains a choice we make.
Fear stalks us. And when we least expect it, fear grabs us in the darkness with a relentless grip, refusing to let go or loosen its hold.
Fearful sets in as our uninvited companion.
Fearful Lives in What-ifs
Fear lives in the what-ifs plaguing our mind. Fear is our worst nightmare, sleepless nights refuse us any rest.
Instead, fear whispers the worst-case scenarios to our heart. Afraid of the unknown, it wrestles with our spirit pinning us in a position of panic.
Fear sets in. I know it all too well. And I’m betting so do you.
Fearful Messes With Our Wellness
Fear always messes with our emotional and spiritual wellness.
It happens when we face surgery like my friend, Laura. Or, when cancer pays a visit to us or a family member. When our child is bullied or a bully in our own path lurks nearby. Or, if our child lost her way and we fear for her well-being.
Likewise, with job loss, financial woes or fill in the blank with your fear—fearful terrorizes. Even when we fear a world-wide virus.
Fearful Makes a Terrible Co-pilot
It even rides side-saddle with me when driving in inclement weather. You see, once upon a time an ice-and-snow-covered highway, on top of a mountain, spun me into circles then slid me into a ditch.
That day fear slipped into my passenger seat, buckling in for the long-haul. Ever since I battle anxiety like a dreadful enemy while driving during the least hint of snow or heavy rain.
Yet, fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb.
Fearless Calls Us By Name
Hallelujah, there is hope! In Isaiah 43:1, the Lord reassured Jacob and us.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Also, fear wants us to believe God has abandoned us. Yet, the Lord never leaves us as Deuteronomy 31:6 affirms.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Fearless Lives in Christ
God is not the source of fear. Instead, it originates from the enemy of our souls. Look at 2 Timothy 1:7,
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
So, if God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, then it comes from Satan. The Scripture is clear.
God gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control. And notice the verb gave is past tense. We already possess power over fear, we just need to access it.
Fearless in Christ, we always defeat fearful. Always.
Fearless Wins Our Victory
In 2 Timothy 1, Paul reminds us of additional truths confirming our power, love, and self-control from God: a sincere faith (verse 5), the gift of God (verse 6), an unashamed testimony in whom we have believed (verses 8-9), and a deposit entrusted to us through the Holy Spirit (verses 12-14).
Each of these things in our spiritual arsenal help us overcome fear. We place our faith in Christ. Because fear is shaky ground. And we know who we believe. Because fear is a liar.
Fearful or Fearless?
We choose fearful or fearless.
The enemy makes us fearful in the what-ifs or the unknown. But Christ makes us fearless when our faith and hope rest in Him.
Share a time you overcame fear or a favorite Scripture that helps.
All Scripture is ESV.
Featured Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash.
Top Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash.
Middle Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.
Bottom Photo by Daryn Stumbaugh on Unsplash.
Amen amen. Perfect love drives out fear.
Yes, it does, Jessica. Fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb.
Yes, yes! Shout it out loud! Fear is a liar. Fear is not from God. When feeling worried or anxious, go to Him in prayer. God will provide comfort.
Amen, Melissa! We place our faith in Christ. Because fear is shaky ground. And we know who we believe. Because fear is a liar.
Such great comparisons!
Thanks, Ava. We choose fearful or fearless.
The enemy makes us fearful in the what-ifs or the unknown. But Christ makes us fearless when our faith and hope rest in Him.
Fear has gripped our nation and the world. My favorite fear passage is Psalm 91; I also love John 14:1- Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ” Thanks, Karen!
Candice, it certainly has! I also love Psalm 91 and pray it often. John 14:1 is powerful as well. May the Lord hide you in the shelter of His wings and give His angels charge concerning you.
I can be a what-if girl and let my fears carry me away. Thanks, Karen, for the great reminders to trust.
Oh, me too, Nancy. Especially in the dark of the night seems to be when the enemy attacks me the most. Thankful we can be fearless in Christ when we place our faith and full trust in Him.
I was just asking God for forgiveness yesterday for my fear. I’ve always had a tendency to fear, and you’re right in that it messes with us on all fronts. We are commanded to not fear, which comforts me to know God can and will help us and strengthen us in the midst of fear. We aren’t alone! Thanks for this message. 🙂
Emily, I think you struck a cord on something we all need to be reminded of; asking the Lord to forgive us for our fears. Because it really is saying we don’t full trust Him to take care of us or to be in control.
This is great Karen I love your writing God has anointed you with a beautiful gift! Encouraging and inspiring!! Thank you! <3
Awe, so kind and sweet of you to say, Marla. May we remember we do have a choice. The enemy makes us fearful in the what-ifs or the unknown. But Christ makes us fearless when our faith and hope rest in Him.
I’ve definitely felt some anxiety in these past few weeks. I forget I have a choice when my anxiety. . That’s really my issue. If I choose to put my hope and trust God I’m good.
Thank you for the encouragement and truth!
I like Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Christina, it’s a battle, especially right now, we have to fight daily…anxiety.
Thanks for sharing your experience and Philippians 4:6-7
Fear is such a liar. As I watch the news talk endlessly about the virus, I can feel fear creep in. But when I turn to God, those fears ebb away. God is the better option
Amen, Yvonne. I’m trying to watch the news less and listen to God’s voice more.
Right now with all the uncertainty and instability there is a rise in fear and anxiety. It is such an unsettled time. Turning to Jesus and asking him for help to rebuke the fears is critical. But I pray those who just cannot resolve their anxiety and it is just too intense and too pervasive, not only turn to God and pray, but they also reach out and talk to a caring friend, call a crisis line or their doctor or their pastor, contact a counsellor (they are seeing people on-line right now). LIfe is not meant to do alone – God made us to live in caring and supportive community. God helps carry our burden, but we are also called to be the hands and feet and heart of Jesus as well. Blessings during this time Karen. I pray you and your family are all doing well.
Anne, thanks for bringing out the need for the additional help of others, counseling, doctors, pastors, etc. to get the support we might need to deal with fears and anxiety. We were meant to do life together and in community.
I love how you contrasted fearful vs. fearless. It is truly amazing when we hold on to the truth of God’s Word and the truth of our faith in Christ. We have nothing to fear. Why is this so hard? Thank you for this encouragement. Right on time, my dear sister! God bless you!
Thank you, Melissa. Hallelujah, there is hope in fear! In Isaiah 43:1, the Lord reassured Jacob and us.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”