Fear is not from God, and it’s not more powerful than God. Yet, he knew it would come to steal our peace, not once or twice, but constantly throughout our lifetime. So in his great mercy and faithfulness to us, God made a way for us to be more than equipped to overcome its effects and walk in faith. He gave us three offensive weapons to lean into when we’re attacked: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).
This verse clearly shows us that fear is a spirit, and it’s not from God. So every time fear tries to grip us, it’s the enemy trying to take us down and terrify us out of trusting God. But the spirit of fear is no match for the Spirit of God who lives inside of us—the one who gives us power, love and a sound mind. We can rely on, draw upon, and walk in peace in the midst of fear and anxiety, because He who is in us is greater than anything or anyone that comes against us.
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can take heart, because we are not fighting alone. We fight the good fight of faith in God’s power, not by focusing on fear and trying to defeat it in our own strength, but by relying on God, knowing he is faithful. By leaning into the power, love and sound mind he has given us.
I have come to realize that the more I trust my heavenly father, the more fear is defeated in my heart and in my mind. If I focus on God more than an unexpected circumstance, then it is God who will be biggest in my heart and mind, and peace will be my outcome.
God’s Word promises us that the path he has given us winds upward not downward, but we have to make him bigger to stay on that path mentally, emotionally, and physically.
And that’s the memo.
Adapted from Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine.
