Fear: The Enemy's Attempt at Paralyzing the Believer
Have you ever decided not to go after a dream because you were crippled by fear? Have you ever turned down the opportunity of a lifetime because you were not sure about the outcome? Many of God’s men and women, with great potential, are being immobilized by fear daily. Fear leaves us feeling stuck, hopeless, and unsettled. Satan uses that fear to keep us from going after all that God has for us; in turn, we will not charge forward and conquer the land!
It was never God’s intention for us to live our lives paralyzed by fear.
The other day, I shared a post titled, "Three Steps to Confidently Launch Out and Trust God", and today I feel led to really expand upon that thought. I needed another solid example. When searching the Bible for a courageous person, among many, Joshua stood out to me. However, I have often wondered was Joshua a man who struggled greatly with fear?
God told him on numerous occasions not to be afraid. If does not seem like God would have kept saying that if Joshua was not dealing with some fear. On every encounter with God, the message for Joshua was consistent:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. (Joshua 1:7 NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land. (Joshua 8:1 NLT)
“Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” (Joshua 10:8 NLT)
Fighting fear requires forward action! Forward action entails three things: seek God, start moving, and then see victory. Fear is to be expected. It is what we do with that fear that matters.
We are encouraged with 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) which reads for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. We have to use what He did give us in conjunction with our own action if we are going to combat the fear.
We have to immediately seek God when we begin to fear. Joshua took the time to listen carefully to the instructions of the Lord. As we seek God, He will calm our souls and give us a strategy. He will tell you how to pray about the very thing you are fearing. He will tell you how to handle the fear before it has a chance to get you bound.
The next thing is so critically important. Just. start. moving. Whatever God instructs, just start moving in that direction. After speaking with God, Joshua started moving! He either went to the people to tell them what God said or he and the soldiers started moving to do as instructed. It may seem impossible, but just take one step in the direction He is leading.
After you fight the fear, you will see victory in your life. After all, God did not give us the spirit of fear; He gave us power! That power comes from Him and brings about victory where there was once fear. Joshua was able to take possession of the land when he chose action over fear. He heard the Word of the Lord and responded with action.
I do not know what fear you are facing today. Only you and God know that. Joshua was able to release the fear and be courageous. I pray the same will be true for you and I. Has God shared with you that He wants to use you in a mighty way? What is a child of God to do? Miss out on an opportunity to glorify Him or face the fear and just go for it? Let's follow Joshua’s example and be courageous in spite of fear! Let Him heal your soul!
Share this post today with someone who is ready to face the fear in his/her life.
I want to hear from YOU!
Question: What do you do when fear tries to paralyze you?
Your Sister in Christ,
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am struggling with fear today. Help me to seek you, start moving and be courageous. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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