Do you have claustrophobia, acrophobia, nyctophobia, arachnophobia or germophobia? Those are fears related to enclosed spaces, heights, the dark, spiders or germs. A Phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. I’m extremely scared of dogs of any shape or kind. There was an occasion when I jumped in front of a bus all because a dog was coming towards me on the pavement. My fear of being bitten or licked caused me to not think rationally. What would’ve been worse being licked or being hit by a bus? 😓 That’s just a small example but in our 21st century society the spirit of fear is working overtime. If you allow it, Fear of the unknown will cripple your mind. When we are afraid or anxious about what the future holds we become so overwhelmed and crippled from accomplishing the great things we intended to do.

F•E•A•R stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear intends to keep us from possessing power, love and self-discipline. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ NLT) Fear is Satan’s favourite tool to harass Christians with. In the book of 2nd Kings 6:15-17; a servant of Elisha got up early in the morning and saw troops, horses and chariots surrounding their city and cried to his master ” Oh no, what do we do now?” Elisha said to him ” Don’t be afraid, There are more on our side than on theirs! “. Elisha then prayed to The Lord to open the servants eyes to see, his eyes were opened and he saw that the chariots that once surrounded them were filled with fire. In this story even though the fear struck servant came with disheartening news, Elisha responded by praying. The troops that were about to conqueror them was the false evidence but in reality God had provided the Israelites with more than enough protection. Elisha focused on the truth while the servant was distracted by the surrounding enemy.

I’m sure you’ve heard many times that the phrases “Do not fear” “Fear not” ” be not afraid” are in the bible 365 times. Each one should be a daily reminder from God that we are never going to face a day with a valid reason to be afraid. Don’t get me wrong, it is easier said than done but remember all things are possible to him/ she who believes (Mark 9:23). Just like the turbulent waves that distracted Peter from Jesus’ invitation to walk on water caused him to fall, when we focus on the waves in our lives overwhelming feelings of helplessness rob us of doing the impossible through Christ. So fix your eyes on Christ and you’ll be able to confidently rise above your fears and miraculously walk to Jesus, by faith, on what was previously your fears.

When I am afraid of (insert what you fear),
    I will put my trust in you.
I praise God for what he has promised.
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
    What can mere mortals do to me?  Psalms 56:3-4

Don’t let fear dictate how you live your life. Fear must be confronted with faith, so the next time fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer! May our faith in Jesus Christ shine so bright, that all ungodly fears are extinguished and others marvel at our boldness. If you’ve got any prayer requests maybe relating to fears or worries you have, feel free to send me your request through the form here 🙏

Stay blessed
Dara x