CAPA Corner: Words of Encouragement from the Central Area Pastors Association

DO NOT FEAR
2 Tim 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
FEAR. Our world is dominated by it! After hearing a broadcast of the evening news, listening to talk radio, reading a few news articles, having a doctor’s appointment and watching the Stock Market, we can see why people would become fearful.
I often would repeat the phrase, “Fear is simply false evidence appearing real.”. That isn’t necessarily the case! I now say that fear is, “Factual evidence appearing resolute.”. The evidence may be very true, extremely real and seem like it will last forever! Fear can cause us to become so focused on all the negative circumstances of life that we never find true inner peace and rest. Ultimately this allows our faith to be paralyzed.
Fear and faith will wage a warfare in our soul. As believers in Christ, most of us would never think about giving up on our belief and trust in God. However, if possible, fear will erode our faith and our confidence to the point that we are rendered ineffective in our God given mission.
Faith, on the other hand, rises up in the face of fear and says, “But God’s Word says…”. We don’t live our lives oblivious to the storms around us but we do rely on God’s word, His promises, His wisdom and His strength to get through those storms. Read these words of Jesus:
John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
Matt 10:30-31: “But the very hairs on your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (NKJV)
The phrases “Fear not” and “Do not fear” are used over 70 times in the Bible. Whatever situation we are facing, there is a promise in God’s Wird that can give us the faith and assurance to make it through. God’s Word will continually remind us that He has not been caught off guard, He’s not unaware of the storms you are facing, but that God is in control! We have been called to be diligent and wise stewards of all God has entrusted to us! Don’t let fear rob you of the blessings that come from fulfilling God’s plan for your life. Turn to the Bible, God’s Word, and find the promises that will help you carry on! Have faith and “Do not fear!”
-Ron Erickson, Future Hope Ministries