Facing Fear and Finding Freedom

If you don't remember anything else from this article, remember that fear is not from God but from Satan (see 2 Timothy 1:7).

Every time you feel fear in your life, it's a manifestation of the kingdom of darkness. I often say in my teachings that fear is the "master spirit."  

It's the spirit Satan uses to try to rule God's people and keep them from coming under the leadership of Jesus Christ.  

What Are You Afraid Of?

Multitudes of people never fulfill the call of God on their lives simply because every time they try to go forward, Satan uses fear to stop them.  

Is he using fear to stop you?  

Satan uses fear to keep people from enjoying life. Fear brings torment, according to 1 John 4:18, and you surely can't enjoy life and be tormented at the same time!

I want to encourage you to take an inventory in the fear department...  

What are you afraid of? Are there any areas in your life that are being stifled because of fear?

Are you afraid? Do it anyway!

All of us must learn how not to "fear the fear." Satan brings fear, but you can choose not to bow your knee to it.  

David said, When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3).  

I believe we can say that when God leads you to step out in an area to do something new, or leads you to make a bigger commitment, you may (or probably will) feel fear.  

However, if you're sure God told you to do it, put your trust in Him and go forward. I have to apply this same principle to my life all the time...  

Years ago, we realized that we really needed more office space. At the same time, we needed more employees, which would require more desks, computers, phones, etc.  

We had a choice. We had prayed for growth so we could help more people. And everything did increase—resource orders, speaking engagements, incoming phone calls, mail, etc. It was God's timing, and He was moving.

We had to make a decision to either stand still in fear or move with God. If we had not been willing to rent more space and hire more people, we couldn't have kept up with the growth.

I can tell you for sure that fear tried to stop me. I heard things like, "Joyce, you're getting in over your head." "That's too much money to spend." "What if the increase doesn't continue?"

I'm sure you know the recording—you've probably heard it also!

We certainly don't want to move outside of God's timing, but when God is moving, you can't be afraid to move with Him. In my situation, I had a choice to be “led by my head” or follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Remember: God is with you!

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you.

If you've been afraid of something and desire to be free, the time will eventually come when you'll have to face your fear and not run away from it. Just take Jesus' hand, acknowledge that He is with you, and do it.

If you're at one of these crossroads in your life, let me encourage you to go forward. Don't stand still in terror, but take His hand and go forward.  

Remember, God wants to deliver you from all of your fears.