“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind” 2 Timothy 1:7.

People are in fear of many things that include fear of financial condition, fear of failure, fear of losing the job, fear about the future of our children, fear of diseases, fear of losing our dear one, etc. God gave young Timothy a ministry in Ephesus. Paul says to Timothy to keep using the gift God gave him without fear. It is God who called, appointed and gave him his ministry. So do not be timid or afraid.
Beloved, when you decide to live by faith and trust in God and especially when you start reaching out to do things that are impossible and when God starts showing up in your life something else going to happen. The enemy will try his best to discourage and bruise you physically and emotionally. He does this to stop God’s progress in your life. You may experience discouragement and fear. In those times remember what the Bible says God has not given you a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind. The source of this type of fear is not God’s Holy Spirit. God’s spirit gives power, love and a good mind.

Bible says there is a fear that should be encouraged and that is the fear of God. Fear of God means very high reverence to God. Faith in God and trust in Him. Proverbs 1:7 says, “Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” If you want to know more about the fear of God which is a healthy fear, please read another article in teachbible.org-https://www.teachbible.org/pastor-always-says-fear-the-lord-why-should-i-fear-him-what-does-it-mean/

Beloved, as people we all face fears. Our God knows this very well. That is why the Bible says hundreds of times- do not fear, be not afraid and fear not. This is the most common command in the Bible given by God. Someone said 365 times Bible says we should not be afraid or fearful.

What can we do with our fears? Fear has to be substituted with faith and trust in God. This is what David did. If we read David’s psalms, we can see the lament to God due to his fear. David wrote Psalm 56 when his enemies surrounded him. Fear was about to conquer him. Then he says he won’t be afraid. He substituted his fear with faith and trust in God. Listen to what he said, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God, I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalms 56:4). He again says in verse 11, “In God, I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?”
When we substitute faith and trust in God for fear, God’s Holy Spirit will give us the power to face our challenges, love toward people and a sound mind. Our mind would not be clouded and confused. God will grant sound mind which will help us to make the right decisions.
When the Israelites were faced with the red sea in front of them, and Pharaoh’s army in the back, Moses said, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14. God’s command is this- do not be afraid and you standstill. This is followed by His promise- you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you. Do you know the Lord will fight for you? Yes, the Lord will fight for you, Bible says. You only need to stand still by faith and trust in God. This is what Israelite did, and they saw the wonderful deliverance of the Lord. The waters of the red sea were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Praise the Lord! He will do the same to us when we substitute our fears with trust, faith and hope in the Lord.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know you love and says to me “do not be afraid.” Lord, hold my hand and give me your peace, protection and guide me when fear and confusion grips on me. I put my faith, trust, and hope in you Lord. Lord, please deliver me from anxieties. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for all my sins and His blood will wash away my sins and make me a brand new person again. Please save me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.”