Open Heaven 1 August 2019 Thursday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Topic – Faith: Antidote for Fear
Memorise: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Read: James 1:5-8 (KJV)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Bible in One Year: Judges 15-16, Ezekiel 26:7-21
MESSAGE:
Fear is an unpleasant emotion that is usually triggered by a perceived or real threat of danger, pain or harm. It manifests as a general feeling or anxiety over the likelihood of a negative occurrence that may never become reality. It is indeed a paralysing force that often leads to self-doubt, timidity and lack of confidence, and if allowed to fester, it usually deals irreparable blows on its victim over time. Speaking on the debilitating effects of fear, Proverbs 22:13 says:
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.”
Fear prevents its victims from investing quality time, effort and money into profitable ventures, rendering them powerless and denying them bountiful harvest. Have you been held captive by fear? May the Lord deliver you from the spirit of fear and its paralysing effects today in Jesus’ Name. To liberate His people from the bondage of fear, God repeatedly encouraged them to “fear not” several times in the Bible. What He said to them, He also says to you now: “Fear not”. Be strengthened by His assuring words in Isaiah 41:10, saying:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
In light of God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10-13, it is clear that He expects us to allow our faith in Him shape the realities of our lives rather than let fear dominate us. God is disappointed whenever we exercise fear instead of faith. When the disciples of Jesus were confronted by a ranging storm which frightened them, Jesus asked them in Mark 4:40b:
“Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
This shows us that God sees people who exhibit fear as having little or no faith at all. Faith is the antidote to fear, and anyone who will overcome fear must develop strong faith in God. Complete trust and faith in God is a central pillar of our life as Christians. The Holy Spirit assures us that whoever believes in Christ will not be disappointed or confounded (1 Peter 2:6). Whenever frightening events happen around us or we are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances of life, when danger lurks and failure or death stares us in the face, God expects us to safely trust in His love and ability to see us through such difficult times. May the anchor of your faith continually hold on to God forever in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point: Father, Please destroy the power of fear over my life and family today, in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn 8: My Faith Looks Up To Thee
1 My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
2 May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
3 While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
4 When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
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