A Christian demonstrating his faith over fear must be seasoned with the power of God, not egotism. According to the Bible, we have been called to be fearless of the Devil, his agents, and all their crafty devices.
A soldier who is stricken with fear isn’t fit for any battle. A Christian who is frightened of the Devil and his agents isn’t fit for spiritual warfare. It’s better you denounce your Christianity. Why? Because we are already at war. War against who? “…principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places“(Ephesians 6:12). We are Christian soldiers who must always have faith over fear.
“You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday” (Psalms 91:5-6).
Today, I feel compelled to talk about this crucial topic concerning how the Devil uses fear to control people. Fear is an inherent part of our human nature. It’s part of our emotions. Let’s admit that. But we can put it under control.
What is faith?
“Now faith is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
What is fear?
“A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.”
I want to share with you how we can overcome fearful moments through the power of God. Taking a leap of faith in Christ Jesus would surely wipe off any fear from your heart.
To be honest, the year 2020 has been a tearful year for almost everyone(I’m saying almost because there are some evil guys behind it – agents of the Devil). They debunk the truth and call it conspiracy theories. It has been tagged #coronaphobia and it is trending as the latest phobia in town.
The emergence of Coronvirus(COVID-19) created fear and panic across the world. A pandemic that could be the greatest fear ever recorded in human history. We all felt that demonic wind blowing around us. Let’s remember those battling health problems through prayers. May we also not forget to pray for Christians facing persecutions in any part of our world.
Many Christians lost faith, others too clung to their faith, irrespective of the circumstances. Even if we die by upholding our faith in Christ Jesus, we would be proud we fought the good fight. We are not afraid of those who can only kill the body but not the soul(Matthew 10:28).
Now, the most relevant question we must ask ourselves is; what will the subsequent years bring us?. We know life would always throw lemons at us. And as a Christian don’t pray for an easy life – because there would always be troubles.
Your enemies will keep on frustrating you. But you are not alone. The Lord is with you. For more than 300 times the Bible has recorded “Do not be afraid.” Remember, we are already in the end times so let’s pray for the strength to withstand any challenge that will crop up.
I remember, God speaking to me in a dream “do not be afraid” when my enemies surrounded me with clubs, knives, sticks… I felt his power move me up from their midst, then he started destroying them. I saw him send a swarm of insects to a different group and they devoured them leaving nothing behind.
The last group of people was terrified by what they saw. Out of fear they said they will worship the Lord. But my God probing into their minds got to know they were hiding inequities in their heart so he destroyed them also.
After striking fear in my enemies and annihilating them; he sealed that with a date “2019 – 2020.” It felt like I was watching the latest movie in town. Glory be to the Most High God.
I am very much aware of how my enemies have been pursuing me. Interestingly, God reveals their faces and plans to me. So I know them – they pretend to love…
“Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of God, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never, ever see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be still” (Exodus 14:13-14).
What happened? God destroyed all the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. Indeed they were seen no more(Exodus 14:28). Glory be to God!.
Don’t Except An Easy Life In The Subsequent Years
Christians living today must prepare for troubles happening around us. Maintaining your faith over fear strengthens the Spirit within you.
“In the time of my fear, I will have faith in you” (Psalms 56:3).
Endure and overcome any pain you may go through. Make the Lord your protective shield.
Baba Vanga, the blind Balkan who predicted 9/11 also predicted something awful for the year 2021. She said the world will see cataclysms, disasters, ‘dragon will seize humanity’, and there would be a cure for cancer. She has more dreadful predictions up to 5079.
Well, whether her predictions are coming to pass or not; we must put on the full armor of God. The Bible has already foretold some of these deadly events. But why would a Christian be fearful of disasters, diseases, and sicknesses?.
“But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:10).
The Bible has forewarned us. So all this suffering and pains and its COVID-19 have to come. This is the works of the Devil. It is frightening if you handle these harsh situations in the flesh. Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you so that you can have a strong faith over fear. Pray for spiritual strength.
The Contrast In Scope
You can’t tell me you are afraid of the Devil and his crafty devices and still claim you have faith. Oh no, it doesn’t work that way because fear and faith are always in contrast.
It is as simple as this; where there is faith, there is no fear, and where there is fear, there is no faith.
You can’t hold unto both together — So here I am reminding you to develop faith over fear. What makes you tremble? Death? Ghosts? Diseases and sicknesses? Failure? Rejection? etc, do not be afraid. The Psalmist said:
“Even if an army came against me with its tents, my heart would have no fear: if war was made on me, my faith would not be moved” (Psalms 27:3).
The Devil is feeding on our fears. Our faith is evaporating because many of us think too much about the disturbing events happening around us.
You would be terrified if you are afraid to lose your earthly possessions, you would be terrified if you fail to understand the fact that we are travelers…
The soldier out there on the battlefield has no fear of death. Because he has prepared for victory. He believes, in subduing his enemies. If that is not the case, then he wouldn’t put on his armor and step on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, every Christian living today is already on the battlefield. If you allow fear to grip you, you would fail and die, if you fail to put on the full armor of God, you will also fail and die.
Fear Over Faith Bible Lesson
Now let me take you through an exemplary lesson from the Bible. In the Book of Matthew 8:24, we are told of how Jesus Christ rebuked the storm when his disciples were in fear of wrecking.
“He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:26).
Jesus rebuked the disciples for lacking faith. This means we have to be strong in faith if we face any kind of trouble. God has said several times in the Bible; “Be still and know that I am God!.”
There is no need to be frightened when confronted with any trouble. Learn how to have faith over fear. If you find it difficult to overcome your fears through faith; I will help you with that in the next paragraphs.
The Fear To Lose Earthly Possessions – The Rich Man’s Plight
There is too much darkness in our world. Evil is growing root in our various houses, societies, and countries. Many have grown an insatiable taste for causing harm and exploiting their fellow humans in any means necessary.
The rich man often feels insecure. Why because he is afraid someone might rob him or kill him for his money and wealth. Well, Christians need not cling to material wealth.
Believe me, your protector will always be there for you. Even if the enemy succeeds in killing the flesh… My spirit remains unharmed. Eternal life is what we must yearn for.
Why should you be afraid of losing your material wealth in this world? Instead of this be afraid of losing your salvation. The brevity of life and its pleasures holds nothing worthy compared with the immortal life in the afterlife.
Deep Secret To Know
Our faith is tested on regular basis. People and situations challenge us to reveal our true identities in Christ Jesus.
Let me tell you this. Even though we walk in flesh but we don’t fight in flesh. When you are filled with the Spirit of God, fear has to vanish from you like a puff of smoke.
A spirit can destroy the body, but the body can not destroy a spirit. This is why we must strive hard to grow in spirit. Christ did not give us a Spirit of fear.
Fear is a negative emotion that is an intangible part of us. Through prayers and meditation, you can drive it out. Replace it with positive emotions.
Fear is normal, but it should never be allowed to rule; You must rule over fear with faith. Let me cite to you something paranormal that is interesting.
Imagine you woke up from bed late at night and you quickly responded to nature’s call. You rush into the toilet room and just when you were about to unzip… Then you hear a shrieking voice “hey! hey! Can’t you see I’m here?.” Damn it! That was a demonic spirit speaking.
What would be your reaction? Here you are tossed between fear and faith. I bet you, many will run away and probably ‘disgrace’ themselves out of fear. This scenario sounds very frightening. But the Lord did not give you a Spirit of fear.
1. Have you forgotten what lives inside you(1 John 4:4)?.
2. Have you forgotten the power given to you(2 Timothy 7:1, Luke 10:19)?.
3. Or you never knew you can speak words into effect(Matthew 17:20)?.
You must rebuke that spirit in the name of Christ Jesus. If not, then don’t freak out —just find a different toilet room(if available) to ease yourself.
How To Have Faith Over Fear
When troubles come, we are left with negative emotions that breed fear and panic. Recurring fear could even harm your health.
The Doctor says chronic fear can cause problems in your brain function, you may have cardiovascular damage and finally an early death.
I remember talking about mankind’s greatest fear in life. If you are wondering what that could be, read about it here.
Now, it is time you get to know how to have faith over fear through the power of God. I have a few strategies to sail you through.
1. What Triggers Your Fear? Find Out
First, identify what is making you fretful. Know the exact thing that makes you afraid. Let me tell you this; many people allow cognitive biases to stampede their happiness. They worry about things that are not real or has nothing to do with them.
2. Pray About What Makes You Afraid
Pray about the situation, if you could ever figure out what is making your heart race like a deer feeling the presence of a lion; then learn how to stay calm and hopeful. The poor deer knew, there wouldn’t be any savior if the lion finds it.
But we are humans, Christians for that matter. We have a savior ready to deliver us from our troubles. Do you have faith in our Savior Christ Jesus? If “Yes” then there is no cause for alarm. He did not give you a Spirit of fear; but of POWER, LOVE, and SELF-CONTROL(2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Don’t Get Distracted
If you focus on the events happening in your life, you may lose faith. Because the Devil draws your attention to the troubles or pains he is inflicting on you.
The moment, you allow your troubles to distract you from the love and power of God, you succumbed to failure which will ultimately bring about your distraction.
Peter started drowning when Jesus commanded him to step out of the boat. Why did Peter start sinking? Because he took his eyes off Jesus and the boisterous storm distracted him. It bred fear in him — and right there his faith failed, he started drowning.
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:27-31).
Just like how Peter allowed the stormy seas to distract him from the saving hands of Christ Jesus, so as many Christians are focussing too much on the troubles going on in their lives. Focus on Christ Jesus ONLY.
Don’t Be A Fool With Your Faith
For me to tell you to be fearless of the Devil, his agents, and all his crafty devices, I never meant you should be reckless in life.
You must be shrewd at all times. If I tell you fear is unreal but an illusion that resides in the mind it doesn’t mean you should’t be prudent. ‘Danger‘ is real — stay away from it!.
You need not be a fool claiming to have faith; and for that matter you will step into a trap without getting harm.
Why would you live like a blind man?. Stay away from anything toxic; especially fake friends, traps from enemies and evil people.
Don’t allow your ego to detect for you. Relax and rely on the power and the direction of God.
“When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. You will not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the LORD will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap” (Proverbs 3:24-26).
Our conscience is God-given and so must be used wisely. A true child of God must grow in wisdom.
“A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it” (Proverbs 22:3).
Examples Of Wrongful Use Of Faith Over Fear
A related example is knowing the reality of COVID-19 and refusing to adhere to the precautionary measures in a hotspot zone in the name of faith. Uh uh… It doesn’t work that way.
You are being a fool like the Pastor who traveled from Nigeria to China to stop COVID-19. What happened to him???… He ended up on a hospital bed… Pathetic. His action wasn’t faith over fear but foolishness.
His movement lacks wisdom. God did not send him. It is like deliberately doing what is detestable to the Lord. Don’t ever try it!.
Another reckless movement in the name of faith over fear is the Pastor who went closer to a pride of lion in Kruger National Park in South Africa to pray… For what? For the lion to submit to God’s power. He got his buttocks mauled and ended up at the hospital. He said:
“I don’t know what came over me. Were we not given dominion over all creatures of the earth?”
It’s foolishness, God did not send him!.
“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple pass on, and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:11).
We must have faith over anything that challenges our love and trust in Christ Jesus. No one should ever replace faith with our ego.
Jesus is the foundation of our healing, happiness, success, salvation, and all the good things the Lord had stored for us. May he bless and protect you. Amen!.
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