“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive
[as they are this day].”
Genesis 50:20 AMP
Fear is a common and familiar enemy to child of God. We have learned that fear is the enemy of faith. FEAR is an acrostic for False Evidence Appearing Real. Yet, when the enemy is invisible a little fear will keep people alive.
Fear can be paralyzing. Fear can produce panic. Fear can make you buy 2 years supply of toilet paper or even arm yourself with weapons. Fear will make you stay home, keep your distance, wash your hands more times today than you did last month. The most dangerous person during a pandemic is the guy feeling a little sick, but fearless enough to go into work or socialize without regard for social distancing. The fearless dude is scary. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but He sure gave us the feeling of fear. It’s on purpose. There are times you ought feel afraid. The feeling is an alarm prompting you look for the Lord and take action.
Does the Bible say do not be afraid?
Isaiah 43:1 “Don't fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” God actually commands us not to fear, or worry. The phrase “fear not” is used at least 80 times in the Bible, most likely because He knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.
Why does God say, fear not? He is warning us that something scary is coming your way. More importantly, He’s announcing His protective presence. Something dangerous is looming, AND I am here!
We talk about what fear is. Fear is a thing. Yet, fear is also an action word. It is a verb, it’s something that we can do, but God says, It’s the “Un-Nike.”Don’t do it!
Our God has power over all the scary things that confront us. He has power over fear itself. Looking to, and drawing closer to Him in the midst of crisis is the way to get through. After He says, “fear not”, we ought say “ I will not fear!” Then ask, "what next Lord?" He will show you the way. He promises to give wisdom, generously to those who ask. (James 1:5) Wisdom is the deeply felt knowledge of what to do next.
So fear not, listen, and do what he says! This too will pass! We will be better having gone through. He is before us, with us, and will never leave us!
For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!
2 Corinthians 4:17 Amplified Bible (AMP)
