“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
What do you fear the most? Do you believe that you can still overcome these fears? 2 Timothy 1:7 shows us that there could be more than one spirit of fear. In Job 1, we see all the terrible things that happened to God’s faithful servant, Job. In the next chapter, even his wife told him to curse God and die. Another huge blow came when his friends accused him of sinning against God. What happened to Job in such a short time tells us that all these things were not coincidental. The devil caused his misery.
We must notice that Job personally opened the door of opportunity for Satan to enter. How? It says in Job 3:25:
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,
And what I dreaded has happened to me.”
These things happened because he was in great fear of it happening. This should be a revelation in and of itself to all of us. Job had no reason to fear that God would take things away from him. The Bible tells us that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). Why would God take away something from you that He already gave to you? We must notice that all the wonderful things that God gave to Job, fear was not one of them. Even for us, we must understand that fear does not come from God. He has not given us this spirit.
Job’s fear allowed an entrance to a spirit of fear. From his example, we must accept the responsibility that we can open doorways for fear to abide with us. You might not be aware, but fear is as strong as faith but is going in the opposite direction. Faith can move mountains, but fear is so powerful that it is a magnet for negativity. It will draw bad things to you. Jesus tells Jairus in Luke 8:50:
“But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.’”
The influential ruler came to Jesus even if he was told his daughter was sick. In the same story, the two came across the woman with the issue of blood. This encounter delayed their journey, and a servant met them to tell them that the daughter was dead. Despite this, Jesus told Jairus not to let fear overtake him. If the ruler had allowed fear into his heart, he would have allowed the enemy to steal one of his most valuable gifts in life.
Fear draws disaster to us anytime we allow it into our lives. When we let fear in, it closes the windows of Heaven and opens the gates of hell. Luke 21:26 says:
“men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
Some fears can destroy a person’s life— their will to live or the ability to take action. These are strategies of the devil. But the good news is, there is nothing to fear. When you stand on God’s Word, the devil doesn’t stand a chance against you. God says that when you are born again in your spirit, He will take up residence in your spirit and make you greater than the evil one. 1 John 4:4 says:
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
God’s Spirit dwells in you. He also says He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
The Seven Fears
The fears that attach themselves to mankind are too numerous to list. However, there are seven very devastating or deadly fears. As a Christian, you need to know that you have the power to overcome these to fulfill your God-given purpose in life.
First: The Fear of the Unknown
Humanity tends to have a morbid curiosity about the future. This is very evident in millions who start their day by reading their horoscope. While being curious is normal, it becomes unhealthy and even deadly when combined with fear of the unknown. This will affect every aspect of your life. Remember that God has provided you with mighty weapons and that He will never leave you. Despite the challenging times that the world is about to face, we have to focus on what God says. We need to stop listening to what the world says will happen and instead start listening to the gifts that Christ gave the church. When we listen more closely to what God says, He will keep us up to date with what He is doing. God has promised to work things to our benefit, even things that go wrong. All things work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28).
We have a divine purpose and calling from Him. If God is for us, God will keep us no matter what is happening in the world. We can be at peace about the future because God isn’t going to hurt us. We can trust and obey Him. Our future will be great when we have confidence in Him and His Word. Put the fear of the unknown under your feet. Remember Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Second: The Fear of Death
The fear of death has tormented humanity since the beginning of time. Even today, the entire world is in the grip of this enemy. Death does not discriminate. The Word even declares an appointed time (Hebrews 9:27) for men to die. But to the born-again believer, there is no reason to fear death. Jesus died in our place. He destroyed the power of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). If you are born-again, you will never meet that entity. Don’t let the fear of death interfere with God’s plan for your life.
Third: The Fear of Man
Being afraid of other people might paralyze a person. But God says He will keep us safe from anything evil men might try to bring against us. Proverbs 29:25 says:
“The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
When it comes to men, the issue is trust. If you trust in God, man cannot do anything to you. As God’s child, you are never alone. God promises to always be with you and protect you. Let us remember Hebrews 13:6:
“So we may boldly say:
‘The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?’”
God is our protector. He commanded His angels to guard us. We are safe and secure in His hands. As part of His family, we belong to Him, and we are already citizens of Heaven.
Fourth: Fear of Failure
In our gold-oriented society, it’s easy to become concerned with the possibility of failure. But being so engrossed in this concern can seriously hinder God’s plans for our lives. So when we fear failing, we need to cast it down immediately. Don’t let the fear of failure oppress you. Cast out the spirit of heaviness and take hold of God’s specific promises for your ongoing success. You might experience setbacks, but you will have good success. 2 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us:
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”
God is our protector. He commanded His angels to guard us. We are safe and secure in His hands. As part of His family, we belong to Him, and we are already citizens of Heaven.
Fifth: Fear of Rejection
Many people live in pain and fear of rejection because of past experiences in their lives. But through the power of God, you can overthrow the pain of rejection to grasp the revelation that God wanted you enough to promise you that He would never reject you. John 6:37 tells us:
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
When you belong to Christ, He will never cast you out. He will never reject you. He has made us His beloved. He has already accepted us. The King of kings is personally telling you that He has accepted you and that He will never cast you out. You were made worthy in the sight of Christ. He has done so much for you out of love.
Sixth: The Fear of Sickness
You can be in good health, and the fear of sickness or disease can overtake you. Even if you’re healthy, the fear can immobilize you. This fear is a favorite tool of the devil because as “a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).” Fear is a magnet that draws things to you. Anytime you start fearing sickness, cast it out in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. God wishes, above all things, that you would prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers (3 John 2).
Furthermore, in Isaiah 53:5 it says:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”
In addition to being covered with divine health, all of God’s children have power over sickness and disease. Signs shall follow those who believe. We shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17-18). As long as we trust God and His promise of good health, there is no reason for us ever to fear sickness. When you start to feel the fear of sickness getting near, immerse yourself in God’s Word. Focus on Him.
Seventh: Fear of Insufficiency
The economic system of the world controls most of the population. Do you know how they control the population? Through shortage. They measure the value of everything according to its availability. As long as the takers own the majority of the world’s goods, it will always appear that there is not enough. Despite what is happening in the world and the shortage that seems to be plaguing our society, we must believe God’s Word— Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Even if the economy and the substances of this world are lacking, there will always be more than enough in God’s economy. God wants us to live abundantly. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”
Outside of the fear of God, any other fear that threatens to overtake you should be eliminated from your life. We are in Christ. You have the authority to cast out all fear in His Name. Under no circumstance should you allow fear of any kind to torment your mind. God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us His power, love, and sound mind. Keep standing on the promises of God’s Word. Focus on His Word and believe that you belong to Him.
Live in the freedom and power God has already given you! Watch the entire message here:
Want to learn more about God’s Word? Follow the Evangel Cathedral YouTube page here.
