You have a story to tell and the devil wants to stop it...

And one of the primary ways the devil works to stop you from telling your story is through fear. The devil will never be on the encouraging end of your life pushing you to do something that will grow your faith and outreach. In fact, his plan never changes. It revolves around three different tasks he sets out to do: steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He causes anxiety, depression, and unrest. But there is wonderful news that you need to know right now! We don't have to let him do these things to us. We can have victory over the devil. We can walk in peace and joy. Fear can be defeated in Jesus' name!

In (2 Corinthians 10:3) we are told that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but rather they are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. This is a promise of being prepared for the battle and not being unarmed in it. It is a promise of authority and power in our lives through God!

It is also one of many scriptural reminders that things are going to come our way in life. We are not exempt from troubles, but we always have the upper hand in them. Never are we in a place of disadvantage but always in one of authority and power to turn the tables on the devil.

Below are some points that I pray will help you realize what fear is and some points on how to overcome it:

Fear is not selective. You are not alone!

As we read through scripture we see on many occasions that God worked through individuals with life-altering issues all throughout history. Their stories speak of God's faithfulness throughout the range of emotions each person dealt with, the decisions they needed to make for the better, and ultimately revealed the depth of their trust in God. They serve as our reminder today that God remains faithful throughout everything we face.

Let's consider some people from scripture that many of us will be familiar with:

Abraham (at the time his name was Abram) was given a word from God that he would have a son. God even told him the gender of the child before he was ever conceived. It should be noted that gender is decided by God, not by man. They didn't have ultrasounds at that point in history, but who needs an ultrasound when the Creator of the universe provides you with the answer. God said a son, so a son is what would come. The account is recorded in Genesis chapter fifteen:

Genesis 15:1-7 ESV - After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. And he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.

The whole issue for Abram at this moment had to do with who would be his heir. He had this massive promise from God but He was wondering where or how it would happen because he was childless. So God spoke to him and in the place of Abram's uncertainty and perhaps fear, God told him to look toward heaven to see if he could number the stars and followed this illustration by telling Abram that this is how his offspring would be. Imagine being Abram with God directly speaking to your uncertainty. Imagine the peace this must have given. God's promises always come to pass.

If we stopped reading at (v.7), we might walk away with the thoughts that Abram trusted the Word of the Lord, and his offspring was great in number, and they possessed the land God had promised. But we see in chapter sixteen of Genesis that the subject of offspring came up again for Abram. His wife Sarai had borne him no children so she requested that he try to have children with her Egyptian servant Hagar. Abram listened to her and after ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram had a child with Hagar(v.15-16). The whole event is covered in (Genesis 16:1-16). We also see that this brought about trouble, in fact, Sarai resented Hagar. It was a sad situation for both Hagar and the child. What God does in Hagar and the child's life is an amazing story too. Don't skip over it.

We then see in chapter seventeen that God promises Abraham (He changes Abram's name) a son through his wife Sarai (whom God also changes her name to Sarah). Later in chapter twenty one, we read of Isaac's birth. But through all this time, Abram had to live on what he knew that God had told him.

Abram sought the Lord and heard from Him, so too must we. One of the greatest miracles He does in our lives is that He empties us of ourselves. What does that mean? It means less of us: (our feelings, views, uncertainties, and anything else that doesn't line up with His purpose and will). We begin to view more and more of life through the lens of His Word. I call this a continual fellowship with Him. Abram had this place of fellowship and so can we. When your ear is always attuned to what God is saying, it leaves no room for the devil to speak to you. Sometimes the fears we are dealing with are completely due to the voices in our lives that we are listening to. As Romans 3:4 reminds us, ""Let God be true and every man a liar."

Moses fled in fear after killing an Egyptian who was attacking a Hebrew. Pharaoh heard about it and moved to try and kill him for it. Moses fled to Midian where he sat by a well. It was there he came to the rescue of a priest's seven daughters. The daughters told their father who then told them to invite him to have something to eat. He would later marry Zipporah, one of the daughters of the man. (Exodus 2:11-15).

Isn't it amazing that even in the middle of Moses running from Egypt afraid of Pharaoh, God was still working in His life? What a powerful reminder that even if you are feeling fear right now, God can still work in guiding your steps to get you where you need to be.

Elijah the great Old Testament prophet ran from Jezebel and hid after she threatened him (1 Kings 19:3), and remember this is the same Elijah that only recently called down fire and defeated the prophets of Baal in (1 Kings 18:20-40). But God sent an angel who spoke to Him in the wilderness. God provided a meal for him there that sustained him for forty days and forty nights (1 Kings 19:8). God later spoke to Him at the mountain of God letting him know there was still more for him to do (1 Kings 19:11-18). Sometimes all we need is to hear God's take on our future to alleviate the fears.

What about the great Old Testament judge named Gideon who heard a word from the angel of the Lord that he was a mighty man of valor and that the Lord was with him (Judges 6:12). It was during a time of great oppression from the Midianites and Amalekites who would steal their crops and livestock (Judges 6:4). The Israelites had done evil in the sight of God and this oppression was allowed to come upon them. But eventually, the Israelites cried out to God for help (Judges 6:1-6). And it was during this time that God would raise up a man named Gideon to lead the people to victory.

Gideon first responded to the angel of the Lord with a question: "Where is God since all these things are happening?" Gideon could see as clearly as anyone else that Israel was not in a good place. He also quickly reminded the angel that his tribe was the least in Manasseh and also that he was the least of his family (Judges 6:13-15).

Many would say given the circumstances of Gideon's time that fear and uncertainty would not be an unusual response. But when God gets involved in the circumstances of our lives, we can rest assured that victory is coming. It will always be on His timetable, but as long as we do our part, victory is a sure thing.

We see that God took Gideon and turned him into a military leader. But in the beginning, there was uncertainty. He had to allow God to help him overcome this. He had to put the Word of God above the circumstances that he visibly saw. Many times when dealing with our fears and uncertainties, we need for God to remind us during an encounter or through His Word that we are indeed stronger than what our feelings may show just as He called Gideon a mighty warrior. Gideon led a small group of warriors into battle where they prevailed over their enemies (Judges 7-8). It's a wonderful example in the history of the world that reminds us of how God can take someone and give them an identity they already had in Him and use them to bring about His plan.

In addition to the above people, one of the most famous Old Testament characters is David. David the giant slayer is a title that many use when they think of his story. The saying we have today, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall" comes from this man's story about slaying Goliath. David's whole story is epic. It has extreme highs and the lowest of lows. We read of his victories and his failures. It is all laid out for us to see, but most of us when asked, remember him as a giant slayer because he took down this giant named Goliath. Ultimately we then move to the fact that God raised Him up to be a mighty king of Israel. But did you know that one of the greatest heroes of Scripture dealt with times of uncertainty and fear? David once acted like he was mad scratching the doors and drooling on his beard (1 Samuel 21:13) all because he was afraid that he would be recognized by Achish, king of Gath. David's reputation preceded him (1 Samuel 21:11). His actions were running contrary to what others knew of him as a king.

If we read more of David's story we see where Saul is after him and he is on the run with those faithful to him at his side (about 400 tough men). Together they are hiding in the cave of Adullam. The situation looks dire. But the moment comes that he leaves that cave and goes to Mizpeh taking both his father and mother to the King of Moab to stay because (listen to this) he needed to understand how God was going to give him the throne (1 Samuel 22:3). It's right there in in the pages. The giant he was battling now was uncertainty. Not understanding the situation is an ok thing. But it's not ok to stay there. Be willing to take the steps you need to understand what direction you need to go.

We see that David found himself in an uncertain place, with an uncertain situation. Of course, thousands of years later we can say, "David should have lived on the promises he knew." And there is some truth to that, but let's face the facts. This was a man with an eternal promise that was facing difficult circumstances between him and the fulfillment of those promises of God. Not unlike us today. We may have the promise already given, but we are waiting patiently for the fulfillment. The wait is an area where the enemy loves to attack. But it is also a place where God can build our faith.

We too can find ourselves facing moments of uncertainty just like David encountered. We can look at the promises of God and allow fear to stand in the way. But praise God, the story did not end there for David (spoiler alert!!! - He gets the throne), and your story is not over just because of fear (spoiler alert!!! - you get the victory too.) You will get to where God wants you. Stay strong. Stay in prayer. Stay! Stay! Stay, until the time to move comes. Trust me you will know it. You will feel that thing lift off you. In the future, you will be able to help others who have faced the same thing that you now walk over in Jesus name. Why? Because a struggle that God delivers you from is a struggle that you can help others overcome through the power of God.

We see a common theme in these stories.

Have you thought about something that each of these characters discovered? It was in the middle of their circumstances where God showed up.

Abram was worried about his lack of children. What does God do? He promises Abram that his descendants would be great. He compared them to being able to number the stars if Abram could.

Moses was running from the law (literally speaking). It would be later that he would be working in the wilderness where God would appear to him in a burning bush. He would become the leader God used to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Elijah was running away from a crazy queen named Jezebel who had earthly authority and wanted him dead. While he was hiding out, God showed up and helped him to run back toward what he was running from. God turned things around.

Gideon was doing his best to get by with the Midianite and Amalekite danger all around. He seemed to have settled and accepted what was happening and was simply trying to survive. Little did he know that God would use him to lead the people in battle against these oppressors and give them complete victory. God made the enemy troops turn on each other.

David was hiding out trying to figure things out. That rhyming was intentional btw! We see that God did give him the throne as we read through the story. Sometimes the biggest lessons we learn are during times of uncertainty that demands we address it with God. He clears things up and sends us forward to fulfill His purpose.

In all these situations, the common theme throughout these stories is that God worked it all out. He did the miraculous in each of their lives. Fear was not the end.

So how do we move from fear to promise just like they did? Well let's walk through some steps:

Recognize the origin of fear.

First, recognize the source of what you're dealing with. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul said in reference to satan that "we are not ignorant of his devices." Paul was basically telling the Corinthians that we are not ignorant of how the devil works. The devil is real. The destructive defeating purpose he has for you is real too. As Christians, we should never ignore that the devil has a goal of ending what God is doing in us. We are on his radar. But as Paul told Timothy (a young New Testament church leader), "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Fear is a very real thing, but here is the awesome part: It's not from God. Power, love, and a sound mind are from God. So if you are facing fear, you are a miracle candidate for God to remove it and add power, love, and a sound mind to your life.

I love Psalm 112. Notice what it says in (vv. 6-8 NIV) "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes."

We live in a society that seems to feed on bad news. Simply turn on the national or local news networks and you will be bombarded with it. We even hear it from our family and friends sometimes. I must strategically walk away from conversations on occasion because I don't want my mind to be fed the wrong stuff. But this Psalm reminds each of us that the righteous will have no fear of bad news because they have steadfast hearts trusting in the Lord. They find their security in Him. And because of this, they will have no fear. This lines up with a familiar passage in the New Testament found in 1 John 4:18 NIV - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

So that place of perfect love casts out all fear. But let's jump back even earlier in John's letter where it says...but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: (1 John 2:5 ESV). Perfect love is connected to our obedience to His Word. This brings me to the next point.

Do a self-examination.

Some in the church are playing games with the things of God. It's not talked about enough, but it is a reality. They are flippant in their devotional lives. They lack respect for the house of God. They have a form of religion (godliness) but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5-7). They go to a church building, but they are not part of the church (ekklesia). They actually have a reason to fear because their end will be eternal separation from God.

But what about those who are struggling with fear who are faithful?

An important first step is a self-examination of their lives. Are there things that you are participating in that run contrary to the Word of God? Are you doing your devotional duty as a son or daughter of God? Are you daily seeking the Lord regarding all situations, or are you living a frivolous Christian walk where the only Bible you get is on Sundays at church?

Or let's go even further; are you running from God's call on your life? Consider Saul's (who would later become Paul) encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus:

Acts 26:13-15 ESV - At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

Like an animal kicking against the goads in resistance to the direction of the one steering, so too was Saul going against the will of God. This encounter eventually led to his conversion to Christ. He would become the apostle Paul who is one of the greatest Christian examples we find in Scripture.

Can we say, "Thank you Lord for confronting the direction we are taking because you love us!" When one moves in a direction away from God's will they put themselves in a bad place. They put distance between them and God. When God brings light to your path for change, receive it faithfully and run with it.

Staying strong despite what you see.

A third point is about being faithful when you don't see. There have been times in my own life where I found myself under the attack of fear. Let's be real, there are a lot of things in this life that can pull us in that direction. It may be something as simple as anxiousness before a meeting at work or an upcoming doctor's visit. It may be hard to handle news we have received in the form of a job loss, or even being moved to a new and unknown location. It may be the sickness of someone we love that may have been given little hope for survival. Or it could even be a dire medical report we have been given.

But the truth remains... we overcome fear by staying close to God. We are overcomers of fear by constantly seeking His will. Victory is always available to the Christian.

Many times, I have found out when fighting the enemy as he tries to bring fear in my life, I would learn of a deficit in my spiritual walk. I would learn of areas where I needed to grow. And I would not have seen these had I never faced the battle that stretched my faith. And that lines up with the same eventuality of those biblical characters mentioned above. It was the faith trying event that eventually elevated their lives to where God wanted them.

Remember this: if the enemy is trying to hurt you, you can know that he doesn't like what God has planned for you, and that is why he is trying to stop it. And one of those ways he tries to stop it is by bringing fear. Let God work and elevate you where He wants you.

Seek continually for an encounter with God.

A fourth point is this: Encounter. Seek for daily encounter and fellowship with God. When we read the Bible, the Author reads it with us. When we pray to God through Jesus, the creator of the universe hears us. When we ask for understanding, the Holy Spirit will teach us.

I have found myself reminiscing of past encounters with God's Presence on many occasions. Times of Him coming in and changing my life for the better. Mending my broken heart. Healing my downtrodden spirit. These times remind me that nothing in this world compares to encounters with our Lord. God is good! And the awesome truth remains for me and all the other Christians around the world: Every day can contain encounters with God. Don't limit yourself to seeking an encounter with God only while you are at church. God can show up in your car, in your office, or even in the grocery store as you shop. Life is meant to be a continual encounter with Him.

Action steps you can take right now:

1. Recognize that fear originates from our enemy.

2. Recognize that peace and joy come from God.

3. Self examine your life before God.

4. Continually seek encounters with His Presence.

Scriptures:

Psalm 1:1-3 KJV - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV - "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

Romans 8:31 NIV - What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Prayer:

Thank you that your desire for my life is to live in peace. You desire for me to walk in your Presence each day. Teach me, Lord, to trust in you always regardless of what the day holds. Heal my anxious heart, for your Word tells me to be anxious for nothing. It teaches me to bring all my needs to you in prayer and thanksgiving. Help me to keep my gaze on you and not on the circumstances that come my way. Help my heart to be steadfast toward you. Help me to be an example of faith and trust in you that others can see and want for their lives.

In Jesus Name, Amen!