Wednesday, October 24, 2012

No Need to Fear, But I Do

Credit: Freefoto.com

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:22-25 NKJV)



There are times when storms wreck havoc in our lives leading us to believe all is lost. We cry out to God, yet feel as though He is sleeping. The disciples experienced this when Jesus slept through a storm while waves crashed against their boat filling it with water. The disciples felt as though this thing is going down. I can just picture the disciples in a panic crying out, “Why is He sleeping?” In their desperation, they awoke Jesus saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” The book of Mark says the disciples sounded out, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” (See Mark 4:38) Now were the disciples really in any danger? Of course not, God would not allow Jesus or the disciples die before their time. God had a plan and a mission for them to accomplish; absolutely nothing could derail it. In fact, I am sure Jesus knew beforehand exactly what would happen, and what He would do. Maybe it was His plan to cause the storm while sleeping through it in order to test and teach His disciples that they might grow.


I know I am no different than the disciples. Oh boy, in this day and age, with all the crazy things going on, it is easy to get caught up in worry and fear.
What are some of the things people fear in this world today?

People fear losing their jobs.
People fear an economic collapse.
People fear a stock market crash.
People fear illness.
People fear death.
People fear people.
People fear the devil. 

The thing is, as followers of Christ, we do not have to fear. Then, why do we fear? He promised to never leave us or forsake us, didn't He? (See Hebrews 13:5-6) Does His word not guarantee us that God will deliver us from every work and preserve us for His heavenly kingdom? (2 Tim 4:18) Of course it does. Did He not give us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind? (2 Tim 1:7) Yes, God did give us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. The spirit of fear does not come from God, now does it? If fear does not come from God, then where does it come from?

Recently I heard someone say, "If the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, then fear of the devil must be the beginning of stupidity." I can see many things in my life where fear caused me to do something stupid or kept me from accomplishing something worthwhile. Then I think of the many times where I had an opportunity to speak to someone of Jesus, yet I did not. Why? Plain and simple, fear.

Lord, help me to be wise while bold and living a life not in fear.

(Scripture references for the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom:  Proverbs 9:10 and Psalms 111:10)







17 comments:

  1. Amen! The Lord is with you Ken! And He'll definitely help you! God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 4:7)! God bless ya Ken! :D

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  2. Hi Ken,
    I wonder if part of our fear is because we are confined by time. I was praying about this in the early morning as I was intercessing for a very sick boy. I was contemplating my faith and asking God why do I fear and doubt. He came back at me with with we are confined by time and short lives so it seems like such a long time for prayers to be answered and because we grow impatient we start to fear and doubt.

    What do you think? I haven't yet had a chance to run this by some elders that I trust so this is something I am not solid in and would love your discerning opinion on this.

    Blessings,
    <><

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  3. Hi Ken,

    Funny, but i posted something about fear, and not trusting God also this morning. I think God is telling us, to reach deeper into our faith in order to prepare for and thus, not fear what is to come?
    Perhaps this reaching requires us to ask God to help our unbelief...to give us a greater measure of faith? Again fear wants to take hold at that thought, because greater faith means greater resonsibility...why can't we just trust Him who is trustworthy?
    Just pray...the Holy spirit will intercede for us with groans and murmurings which are too deep for words...that is where our faith is,
    deep within where only God can go...no fear there!
    ~God bless~ Lisa

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  4. Your post really spoke to me, as someone who has struggled with fear all my life. But be ause we have Jesus' love there is no reason to fear ever.

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  5. Joy--Thank you and God bless.

    Child of God--Your comment gives me something to think about. I have never considered time to be one of the reasons for our fear, but it makes since. I know sometimes I become impatient and make a move before praying and give proper consideration. Then when things do not go as I expected I begin to worry. Today I had a simple procedure at the doctors office and was under anesthesia, so my thoughts are not quite clear at the moment. So let me get back to you on this. Nothing to worry about with the doctor, and all is fine. Thank you and God bless.

    Lisa--I think things like fear and worry are on a lot of peoples mind these day. I am involved in a home Bible study which we are studying the subject of joy. One thing I learned was fear and worry is a joy killer. I will go over to your site and read what you have written today about fear. Thank you and God bless.

    Peggy--Yes, fear and worry is something I have battled with my whole life also. You are right, there is no reason to fear because we have Jesus. We must keep striving, praying and moving forward in this area. Thank you and God bless.

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  6. Love this post Ken. It really spoke to me. When I feel anxious, I don't always recognize it as "fear", but I think more than often than not it's fear. Fear with a different mask on. Fear by any other name is just as debilitating.

    Thank you for the powerful reminder in scripture of Whose we are and who we are in Christ.

    Love the quote: "If the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, then fear of the devil must be the beginning of stupidity."

    So glad I stopped by!

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  7. So true Ken; what do we do with our fear? God wants us to give our burdens to Him, but too often we carry them ourselves even when we say that we are trusting in Him. But carrying our daily struggles by ourselves shows that we have not fully trusted God with our lives! When I am faithful and turn my worries into heartfelt prayer, I begin to experience peace knowing that God is truly in control, then I realize that I have just spent valuable time worrying and letting obstacles get in my way rather than letting God take charge!

    Great post!
    Blessings my friend,
    Denise

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  8. A timely post Ken. That image sure says it all. It is a challenge to stand firm and not fear when the storms of life are that big. The Lord has been supplying me with lots of practice on this, lately.Thanks for posting this. God bless. :)

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  9. Susan--I agree, fear can come in different masks and it is just as debilitating. I am glad you stopped by. Thank you and God bless.

    Denise--Heart felt prayer like you said is most important, unfortunately lacking during times of fear. Just stopping to pray sure does change ones perspective on the situation. Thank you and God bless.

    Vilisi--It is nice to hear from you again. You got that right, it is a challenge indeed, but we keep pressing on and looking up. Thank you and God bless.

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  10. I read Mt 28:20 in Amplified and it encouraged me: [Jesus said] Behold, I am with you all the days, (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the very close and consummation of the age.

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  11. Karen, thank you for sharing this verse for He is with us! Amen.
    God bless,
    Ken

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  12. Hi Ken, I read your post yesterday and now today have come back and reread it. Fear has been something that has been very real to me lately. I wrote a post a week ago about being afraid. Even though I know GOD has me in HIS hand sometimes it's just hard to see past what's going on in my life. The verses you posted are wonderful and helpful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
    Blessings...Chelle

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  13. Chelle,
    I believe fear is something very real to many people in these days. I know fear and worry is something I battle with. Yes, I agree, we are in God's hands and we must never let go of that. Thank you and God bless,
    Ken

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  14. wow, this one is good, gonna use for another sport but i think it'll be just as good, BIG thanks :)

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  15. Thank you Anonymous for your comment. God bless,
    Ken

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  16. Thank you Ken, this is a precious posting for me.

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  17. Thank you Jedidja for your comment and you are welcome. God bless

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