In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].
Jesus died so we could be free from the slavery of sin and overcome the attacks of the enemy, who “comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). The devil will often try to steal or destroy our faith in God through fear.
It is important to realize that our fears not only affect us, but they can also affect the people around us. Nothing is more uncomfortable to me than having to tiptoe around a person because they have fears that make them touchy, nervous, and uptight. I feel sorry for them, and I pray for them, but ultimately, fear cannot be conquered unless we recognize it and confront it.
You may be the way I was—afraid other people will not approve of you or afraid of an authority figure in your life. Whether you struggle with this fear or other fears, the path to freedom is the same: Study God’s Word and apply it to your life; pray and ask God to help you face the fear and conquer it.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for the freedom Jesus died to give me. Help me face my fears honestly and help me stand fast in the freedom You have for me, amen.
