Fear Not

Did you all get scared enough from all the ghosts & goblins that were out this Halloween? Personally, i prefer the cute & fun aspects of Halloween rather that feeling the fear of the scary stuff. You know what else is scary? Christmas is just around the corner. This time of year, i start feeling the fear or uncertainty of trying to find the right gift, will i have time to get all the handmade ones done, will the budget stretch as far as i want it to, will i be able to get it all done in time. All this can cause an overwhelming fear, if we let it. 

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"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power & love, & self-control." 

IITimothy 1:7 (ESV)

Now healthy fear warns us of danger & prepares us appropriately. Healthy fear tells us to keep an eye on the weather when storms are expected. Healthy fear keeps us from eating only pies, cakes, cookies & brownies. Healthy fear tells us to look both ways before crossing the street.

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Unhealthy fear overwhelms us with doubt & insecurity & drains not only our physical strength, but strains our spiritual life as well. It can steal God's peace from our hearts & the joy in our everyday life. Unhealthy fear controls us & is a weapon of Satan to distract us from, & can even destroy our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

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When i think of confidence in God that overcame fear, i think of the story of David & Goliath. David could have cowered in the corner, but his confidence in God was so strong, he actually volunteered to slay the giant. He saw his "giant problem"  through God's perspective. His faith allowed him to rest in God's power & strength in order to defeat the enemy. David relied on the One who supplies our needs.

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Giant problems seem hovering at this time of year, especially with our economy & job losses, house foreclosures, rising prices. But if we follow David's example, we will remember that we have the same assurance, that God's very presence will sustain us, as we can use the tools He provides. We can replace unhealthy fear with the courage & confidence that's found in trusting God alone. By placing your hope in God & not your circumstances, we're able to alleviate unhealthy fear & can face any giant in our path with confidence. 

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"The Lord himself goes before you & will be with you; 

He will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged."

 Deuteronomy 3:8 (NIV)