Fear Not

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

In just a few days all the posturing, posing, and marketing of the Presidential Campaign will be over.  Have you ever been so aware of the fear mongering that goes on as in this political cycle?

Fear is easily bred, easily manipulated, and used by the media, the politicians, and even the church to control people's behavior.  I am always amazed at how susceptible those who call themselves Christians are to the forces of fear.  Obviously it was not a new problem.  Look at history.

God speaks to Abran in Genesis 15, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

God speaks  through Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

We see it in the Psalms of David, the prophesies of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and the teachings of Jesus.

Understand, the Bible does not tell us to walk in denial of the things that would bring fear, it gives us the key to being strong and courageous in the face of them.  Look again at God's encouragement to Timothy through Paul.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV)

God has invested, empowered, equipped, infused the believer with everything he needs to be victorious in the face of fearful things.  We have the ability to face any threat with confidence in the God who is our shield and buckler.  Giants, no problem, God is bigger.  Famine, no worry, God is able to give me all I need to thrive in the midst of the worst famine.  Political persecution, nothing to be troubled about, God will give me clear direction as to how to come out victorious.

Look at the list of what God has already given us.  

• Power, an inherent strength and ability that is made resident in us as a result of our relationship with God.  It is His power living in us in anticipation of our need to use it later.
• Love, the God kind of love, the kind of love that causes men to change their behavior and come in line with God's plan and purpose for their lives.  It is a love that is constantly looking to the needs of others in a commitment to help, to make a difference.
• A Sound Mind, actually, it is the ability to act wisely, to live with self-control.

All of this is resident in us to counter the effects of fear.  Let us rise in boldness and change our world.