One of the enemy’s best weapons against our faith, fear.
It can spring out at the most unlikely places and lie to us so well that we actually avoid the blessings of the Lord.
But we must fight fear, for the very things fear would caution us to guard against are the ones God uses the most.
Proverbs 3:25-26 NKJV — Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
For the child of God, fear is never to be our reason for action, but rather we are to trust in Him.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 KJV
Because the wonderful thing about being a follower of Christ Jesus is often the trials and tribulations fear would caution against are really opportunities of blessing.
Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV — “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Scripture teaches us to rejoice when trials and tribulations come, for through them the Lord works.
James 1:2-4 NKJV — My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Trials and tribulations are not something we need to seek, but we should realize they are part of following Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 4:1-2NKJV — Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
God uses suffering.
Fear would say, “Look out for number one”.
In contrast, God’s Word says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10 KJV
Jesus put it best:
Mark 8:35 KJV — For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
Let us guard against fear and put our faith in the Lord Jesus, for He alone knows what is best and His truth is life.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this wonderful truth, that we need not fear anything, but can place our trust completely in You. Lord, thank You that You use trials and tribulations to build our faith, to teach us, to hone our character. Thank You that our life here on earth is temporary and for those who have believed upon You, we have eternity to look forward to. Thank You, Lord, that whatever lies the enemy is trying to use against us, we have the truth in Your Word. Please let us hold tightly to it and walk in loving obedience this day. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 