Category: Fear

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What did Jesus give us Victory over? Part 2 of 7

What did Jesus give us victory over via the cross?

As we celebrate Easter week, it is helpful to consider the impact of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary over 2,000 years ago. His death, burial, and resurrection isn’t just an event we commemorate and celebrate once a year. It is actually a celebration of the greatest triumph in history. It is also a reminder that God is true to His Word because He promised this triumph would occur thousands of years before His only Son would come to live on this earth.
So we thought we would share 7 things (areas) that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross gives us victory over. Yesterday, we discussed our Victory over Sin.
Victory over Fear
Fear was one of the first responses to sin. When God called to Adam when he was hiding, he said to God “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). However, the power of Christ’s sacrifice (His love) defeated all side effects of sin in the world including fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts our fear because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 Peter 4:18
In fact, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When fear comes up, you have a choice – to yield to it and let it overtake you. OR reject it knowing that Jesus already won the battle for our peace (John 14:27).
In Jesus, we have peace (John 16:33)
Check out our other posts on the subject of fear.
How do you access this victory for yourself?
Salvation is a free gift that has already been paid for. All we have to do now is receive this free gift by faith. To learn how, check out our Salvation page.

Our Prayer For You

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Did You Know?

(If you) draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Our response to fear should be to turn towards God’s loving arms; not away from Him.

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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How Do You See?

2 Kings 6:8-17 recounts the story of Elisha and his servant being surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha was a prophet of God and the Syrians were enemies of Israel. The king of Syria sent an army to the city where Elisha lived because he wanted to silence his prophetic gifts. Upon discovering the shocking sight of an army encamped against them, Elisha’s servant asked him “What shall we do?”.

Do not fear

Elisha’s first instruction was not to fear. There is something about letting our fears get the best of us. It causes us to act or respond in ways that do not please God or bring glory to His name.
There are many reasons why we can be at peace and calm in spite of the obstacles and challenges we face on this side of eternity. One reason is because “those who are with us are more than those who are with them (i.e. the enemy)” (v16).
We have to have the proper context!
God has already commanded His angels to protect and defend and guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11 AMP). There is a hedge of protection around us constantly and God is always fighting battles on our behalf.

See the situation through spiritual eyes

The next thing Elisha did was pray that God would open his servant’s eyes to see the unseen reality around them (v17). This is the reality that Elisha saw but was hidden from everyone else (including the Syrian army). There was a whole host of heaven ready to intervene on their behalf!
Why is this important and relevant today? There is a spiritual battle constantly taking place around us (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy fights against us with various strategies that all originate in the supernatural realm – marital conflict, financial lack, disease, suicidal thoughts, etc.
However, we too have the host of heaven ready to intervene on our behalf. There are countless examples from the bible of supernatural deliverance when things appeared to be dire. From the parting of the red sea to Daniel in the lion’s den and the 3 Hebrews boys in the fire among others.
It is important that we place more trust and confidence in God and His Word than in what we see. Find scripture references that relate to the situation you are facing and meditate on them day on night. Choose to declare God’s word instead of (and in spite of) what you see. And resist the urge to fear or believe there is no hope.
We live by what we believe, not by what we can see.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NCV

Will you live by what you believe or by what you see?

Our Prayer For You

And [we pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people),
Ephesians 1:18 AMP

Did You Know?

The Apostle Paul exhorted us not to be ignorant of the devil’s schemes and strategies (2 Corinthians 2:11). And we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand in the evil day (Ephesians 6:13).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever been burdened beyond your abilities?

Have you ever despaired of life? If so, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul experienced these same feelings as described in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,  you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The truth is we all reach the limits of our human capacity from time to time or in particular areas of our life. Apostle Paul was not immune from this and neither are we. In fact, the bible has numerous examples of this. For example, prophet Elijah, after killing 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:22,40) fled for his life at the threat of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3).

Why does this happen and what should we do about it?

Jesus tells us that because we live in a fallen world, we will experience affliction (John 16:33). Trials, difficulties etc also make us realize we can’t do life on our own.
Like Paul, we must learn to “stop relying on ourselves, and learn to rely only on God” (2 Corinthians 1:9 NLT). When we get to the end of our abilities, we need to learn to rely on God’s strength, His grace, and His Holy Spirit to live out the call He has placed on our life.

God is our creator and He created us to be dependent on Him. 

Even as Jesus told us we would have affliction, He also let us know He had already overcome the world through His death, burial and resurrection (John 16:33). When we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears (Psalms 34:4).

In our walk with God, we can even get to the point that Apostle Paul did where we can “boast in our infirmities … and take pleasure in [them], in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We can do this because we recognize that our trials and tribulations produce perseverance, strength of character (maturity) and hope in us (Romans 5:3-4).

In what areas of life have you reached the end of your rope? Is it in a relationship – a difficult spouse/marriage or an addicted parent or a disobedient, wayward child? Is it in the area of finances and struggling to make ends meet for yourself or family? Is it in the area of your health where you may be dealing with persistent issues that have you living less than God’s best for you? Or something else entirely?

Take those things to God in prayer. Search His Word for the answers you need. Proverbs 3:5-6 perfectly sums up the response we should have.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

Did You Know?

“God … comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So be encouraged. Someone is depending on your testimony.

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

Shop BibleStorm Trivia Products
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What are the consequences of fearful thinking?

Scared to death!

The Free Dictionary defines the expression “scared to death” as “hyperbolically alludes to having been frightened so badly as to have died from it.” Can you really be “scared to death”? While the phrase is a colloquialism, “humans can be scared to death. Being scared to death boils down to our autonomic response to a strong emotion, such as fear.” [Encyclopaedia Brittanica]

In the bible, there was a man named Job. In one day he lost everything he had – his livestock was stolen and burned and worst of all, all 10 of his children were killed in one fell swoop.

Here is the interesting thing about his response when he was informed of his great loss. Job said:

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me.
Job 3:25 NKJV

Our thoughts and imaginations are wonderful gifts from God. We can use it to project a better future for ourselves or use it to lock ourselves into a prison of our making.

There is no point in incessantly worrying about (and meditating on) all the possible things that could go wrong during this crises. There is so much that is outside our control and imagining the worst doesn’t help us at all.

Instead, fix your eyes on God and meditate on His Word day and night. In so doing, you replace fear with faith and you make your own way prosperous (Joshua 1:8).

Meditate on God's Word day and night and do all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous and have good success.

 

What are you meditating on?

Remember: As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself.

 

Did You Know?

but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control)
(2 Timothy 1:7).
This spirit we have been given is the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He said we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Also, love and self control are 2 of the 9 fruits of a spirit led life (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

However, this gift of the Holy Spirit is only given to the children of God. And you can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

 

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including why fear is ungodly.

 

About BibleStorm:

Our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.
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God has not given us a spirit of fear!

We at BibleStorm feel that it is important for Christians to share their faith and confidence during this season. The reality is the peace we have is found in none other than God and His Word. Our prayer is that these posts will be educational and an encouragement for someone as we individually and corporately deal with the damaging effects of the coronavirus.

Did you know that the first mention of fear in the bible occurred after Adam and Eve sinned and ate from the tree God told them not to (Genesis 3:10)? This spirit of fear (and yes, fear is a spirit) is a consequence of sin and disobedience and is from the devil.

The bible says:

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

“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).

As children of God, fear is not our inheritance. We are heirs to the promises God has made to us in His Word. When God says He hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, it means it’s our choice (like Adam and Eve) to either accept or reject the lies of the devil (and the feelings of fear brought on by him).

My pastor says fear is twisted faith. Will you put more confidence in the things you see, hear, or think (or what “they” say)? Or will you believe what God says?

Trust (in) God. Do not be afraid. Have faith. Encourage yourself. And yes, obey the authorities, be wise, and practice social distancing.

Note: The promises of God are for the children of God. You can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn how, check out our salvation page.

#TrustGod #FaithOverFear #BeEncouraged #FaithStrong

About BibleStorm:

Our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.
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Fear is ungodly

You may have seen or heard the expression that fear stands for “false evidence appearing real”.

 

Why and what do we fear?

Financial issues, health issues, insecurity about the future, concern for loved ones?

We (as believers) fear because:
  • We do not know how much the Lord loves us.
  • We do not know about our new position in Christ.
  • And we do not know the promises the Lord has made concerning us from the foundation of the earth.

 

God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) and He would be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:5,9). He said He would never let us be tempted above what we can bear but with every temptation will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

When we change our focus from our fears  (which may seem insurmountable or impossible from our viewpoint) and see our fears in the context of our loving Father in heaven, we recognize we have nothing to fear. The bible declares that
“[we] did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but [we] received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15

 

No matter what fears we may have or be experiencing, we have an answer in the bible. The psalmist declared “I sought the Lord and He heard me and He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4). That “when we cry out, God hears us and saves us from all our troubles” (vv6,17).

 

How do we turn from our fears?

By looking to, seeking and trusting God. The Word of God states that:
  • Those who look to the Lord are radiant and their faces are not ashamed (v5)
  • Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (v10)
  • Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (v8)

 

So what then is the proper application of fear in the believers life?

Psalm 34:9 tells us “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!

 

In a future post, we’ll share the only thing the believer should fear and some of the benefits to this reverential fear.

 

Did You Know?

but of power and of love and of a sound mind (or self control)
(2 Timothy 1:7).
This spirit we have been given as believers is the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. He said we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Also, love and self control are 2 of the 9 fruits of a spirit led life (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

However, this gift of the Holy Spirit is only given to the children of God. And you can only become a child of God by accepting His Son, Jesus the Christ. To learn mroe about Jesus and how to receive Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards being delivered from ungodly fear.

 

#Fear #BibleStorm #BibleStormTrivia

 

Check out more of our blog posts on fear including the consequences of fearful thinking.

 

About BibleStorm:

Our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own BibleStorm trivia products today from our online store.