For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (Timothy 1:7)
In a World full of challenges, trials, and uncertainty this passage is one that we should remind ourselves of often. Every day when you turn on the news there seems to be a few more things that we could fall prey to fearing if we allow ourselves to. AI wants to “rewrite” the Bible, our government is busy trying to take away our freedoms, the elites are busy finding ways to combine man and machine, and our children and family unit are under attack like never before. There is certainly no end of things that bring us great fear in this life. But this passage is a reminder to us that God has given us the power not only to face those challenges, but to have victory over them. As followers of Christ, we are blessed to be able to claim the promises of God that are found throughout His Holy Word.
Feeling confused and overwhelmed? Proverbs 3:5-6 says – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Anxious about what’s going on in the world today? Philippians 4:6-7 says – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Afraid of the possible coming of religious persecution? Isaiah 51:7 says – Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law. Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults.
There are so many wonderful promises in the Word of God that we are able to claim when we belong to Him! We can take great comfort in knowing as Deuteronomy 31:6 says – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. No matter how frightening this become in these end times, we are never alone, God is in control, and the battle has already been won!
By Darlene Holdgrafer, Spiritual Ministry Team Member