Fear vs.
Faith
Do you sometimes think you
are living under a yoke of fear? Fear of failing your kids? Fear of
failing at homeschooling? Fear of what others may think about you,
your husband, your children, your choices? Fear not! God has given
all that you need to be free, totally and utterly free, from fear.
He wants to enable you to walk in great
faith!
You see, fear is the opposite of faith, but it's actually similar
to faith. Often we "believe" our fears, much the same way that we
should rather believe God and His promises for our lives, for our
children and for our future.
Though we know God has
called us to homeschool, time and again we open the door to fear
and make room for it in our hearts. It often becomes a regular part
of our days, our thoughts, our actions, and our responses - so much
so that we do not recognize it. It's like a wart we've gotten so
used to seeing, we've forgotten it isn't supposed to be
there!
How can we overcome our
fears?
First, remember that fear is rooted in believing a lie. God tells
us throughout His Word that we should not fear. He knows that fear
is a controlling, debilitating thing. It causes pain, unwise
choices and emotional distress. It can hinder our ability to
fulfill His call for our lives; it can cripple our homeschooling,
parenting and marriage. God so desires that we be filled with faith
instead of fear. The two cannot dwell together. They are opposite
of one another.
Yet, God has given us a weapon against this intruder into our
thought lives. The Bible calls this weapon the "sword of the
Spirit." Indeed, the Word of God is a powerful tool in the hands of
a Christian. When fear begins to whisper its dirty lies to you,
rebuke it through the Word of God.
Here are some encouraging Scriptures that will help you overcome
fear as you commit them to memory:
"For God has
not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound
mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear."
I John 4:18a
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me."
Psalm 23:4
"But whoever
listens to me shall dwell in safety and be at ease, without fear of
harm." Proverbs 1:33
"Do not call
to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I
will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be
aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers
in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah
41:10
The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is a great chapter to meditate on
and perhaps memorize in your battle to overcome fear.
The important thing is that you believe the Word, not the lie
behind the fear. As you memorize and recite the Word of God, the
Holy Spirit begins to work faith in your heart. Remember, God is
the author and perfecter of our faith. God loves and adores you. He
wants to bless you, and He promises to do so. His only requirement
is faith. You must believe God. When you are controlled by fear,
simply repent. God promises to forgive you. He will renew your
faith and enable you to walk in victory!
God has good things for you. He has great plans for you and your
children. He has fully equipped you for every good work. You can do
all things through Him.
- Jeannie Fulbright
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