Fear Not, Part 1

I believe that fear is the biggest obstacle to our Christian experience and is the main tool the enemy uses to get us to compromise on going public with Jesus.

Since the Bible repeats the command for us to “fear not” almost 300 times—often directly from the mouth of God—it seems that our Lord knew that fear would be one of our biggest enemies.

"'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.'" -Isaiah 41:10

When I think about fear, the questions it raises in me are:

• What if I fail?
• What if I don’t know the answers?
• What if I sound foolish?
• What if I make them angry?
• What if they reject me?

These fears are often a product of potential persecution.

Probably one of the biggest forms of suffering we experience in America has to do with the feeling of rejection or mocking by our peers. American believers may lose jobs or friends, but we most likely will not lose our lives in our country for the sake of the gospel (unlike believers in other nations).

So why are we so afraid to identify with Jesus in public?

Jesus often talks about courage in the New Testament, and the Apostle Paul literally writes to Timothy to not be a coward.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7

God's Spirit gives us power, not timidity. If we trust Him, we have nothing to fear. Even if our physical lives are in danger, we should not allow them to shake our faith.

"'Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.'" -Matthew 10:28

When asked about His name, God responds to Moses with "'I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14).'" God—in a sense—says to each of us that when we feel inadequate and fearful, He is everything we need. Our job is to have faith that He is the I Am in every situation.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6

Feelings of fear may be with us, but when we respond in faith in spite of fear, the great I Am goes to work.

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