Fear Not!

At the time of this article, the world is in the midst of a Corona pandemic. News agencies report there are millions of people that are sick with the virus, and thousands of others are at risk of death.

Russia has amassed thousands of troops along their border with Ukraine. The News reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin, could invade Ukraine any day. The US President Joe Biden has placed several thousand US troops on notice that they could be sent to Europe if tensions between Russia and Ukraine worsen.

Earthquakes, storms, and other natural disasters in many different places throughout the world have cost many lives.

Television commercials show horrifying video footage of starving and malnourished children. Their counties have been ravished by droughts and famine.

We constantly hear random people being violently attacked, robbed, and murdered by heartless individuals. Then, the victim’s grief-filled family members are thrown in front of the News cameras, as they ask for help to find the perpetrators.

If all those things were not bad enough.  Now, in many places, church leaders and members alike, are being persecuted for holding church services, or simply preaching the Word of GOD from the Bible. In times past, we would hear these stories coming from third world countries. However, reports are now from major countries.

The Bible says that in all things give thanks. But it is truly difficult having a thankful spirit when faced with all these calamities.

So, what can we do?

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a story.

Throughout the Bible, there are many stories of GOD sending angels to give people messages and answers to prayer. One example of this is when the angel Gabriel was sent to Zechariah to tell him the good news that he and his wife were going to have a son. Both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were old in age. In fact, Zechariah told the angel, “I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years”. (Luke 1:18 KJV).  Way to go Zechariah! If they had buses back then, Zechariah would have thrown Elizabeth under it.

I digress, the point I wanted to bring out in the story is when Gabriel first greeted Zechariah, the first words from his mouth were, ”Fear not!” In fact, just about every time an angel appeared to a person, they would always say fear not. It caused me to wonder how wonderous the appearance of the angels was.

Zechariah then asked Gabriel how he would know that he was telling him the truth, and the angel’s response floored me. He said, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of GOD.” (Luke 1:19 KJV). If Gabriel’s presence was wonderous, how much more Magnificent is GOD?

GOD tells us to come boldly to the “Throne of Grace.” The Bible says to come to GOD in faith. When you come boldly, and when you’re walking in faith, you have no fear.

So, what can we do to overcome fear? Fight fear with faith in the Word of GOD.

When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted of the Devil, he responded with it is written. By using Bible scriptures, Jesus overcame the Devil during his hour of temptation.

We must do the same to overcome fear.

GOD has not given us a spirit of fear! If you are believers, you are the ones that Jesus, The Son of GOD, has entrusted with the power to use his name. His name means his authority.

He commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out devils. He also said that greater works will we do.

Not only did Jesus give us his name, (which is his authority), but he also gave us power with the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. Fear has no place in the believer. Not because of ourselves, but because of the GOD that we represent.

In the past, when people were afraid, they would turn to spiritual leaders, Priests, and Prophets to help them. When Jesus walked the earth, people sought after him. If Jesus wasn’t around, the people would seek his disciples.

Well, Jesus is on the right hand of GOD, excepting his enemies to be made his footstool. Jesus’ disciples are in Heaven. So, it’s time for us to be the ones who the people turn to for instruction, help in the time of need, and fearless in the sight of danger.  

We must face fear and defeat it.

Here are some ways to help you defeat fear.

When deadly pestilences (viruses) come around, you say, “Death and life is in the power of my tongue.” (Proverbs 18: 21 KJV). Then, speak life over your situation.

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars. Say, “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come near thee.” (Psalm 91:7 KJV). Then, stand strong.

When natural disasters approach and people expect devastation, you should act on the Word of GOD. Speak to the problem like Jesus did when he spoke to the wind and the waves. Say, “Peace be still!” And believe it.

 When we hear about droughts throughout the world, we should pray for rain like Elijah, and say, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16 KJV).

In the middle of a famine, Elijah was sent to a widow and her son. All she had was a little oil and a hand full of meal. She was expecting to eat one last meal with her son and then die. Elijah told the widow, “Fear not.” (1 Kings 17:13 KJV). GOD provided a miracle and stretched the food many days.

When you are persecuted for Jesus’ name’s sake and brought before rulers and those in authority. Jesus said, “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:15 KJV).

When you live in or are surrounded by violence and murder say, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of ME, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

There is an old statement, “If not now, then when? That statement has been credited to the Jewish Rabbi Hillel. The statement means the time is now to do something. If you don’t do something now, then when will you do it?

I said it before, and I will say it again, we must overcome fear.

GOD has given you the ability, Jesus has given you the authority, and the Holy Spirit has given you the power.

So, be overcomers, and fear not.

In the name of Jesus.

G. Edward Wyche