The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25

It was clear. I heard God’s voice. I knew I should take the next step, but I was afraid.

Fear cripples me and tells me lies.

Fear pins me to the floor and says things like:

You are not capable.

You will never succeed.

It is too difficult.

People will laugh at you.

There are others more qualified.

The task is too big for you.

Your strength will fail.

It does not make sense.

I stand face to face with fear. If I go God’s way, the Bible says there is safety there. Fear tells me God’s voice is my imagination.

Fear screams loudly and holds me back from even simple obedience. I know what I should do, but I struggle. I want to obey God and feel the safety of His arms. I want to experience His presence and peace in my life. Fear continues to ask me questions that I cannot answer. It’s frightening.

When I finally make my choice, my eyes are opened. I see fear as an outsider trying to break into my safe place. Fear looks in and is terrified.

Fear does not understand God.

Fear has no perception of peace.

Fear cannot fathom faith.

Fear only knows one way. Run. Say no. You will never succeed. Fear keeps me from experiencing the presence of God that is within me. It captures my attention and lures me outside of the safe place. Fear wants to hold me captive and keep me from obedience.

Fear resounds with worldly reasoning. God’s Word resounds with powerful promises. If I use the Word wisely, fear is destroyed.

Fear says, “You are not capable.”

Faith says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27b

Fear says, “You will never succeed.”

Faith says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5

Fear says, “It is too difficult.”

Faith says, “Ah Lord, God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” Jeremiah 32:17

Fear says, “They will laugh at you.”

Faith says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Fear says, “There are others more qualified.”

Faith says, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:24

Fear says, “The task is too big for you.”

Faith says, “Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Fear says, “Your strength will fail.”

Faith says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9a

Fear says, “It does not make sense.”

Faith says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

God has big things for each of His children. If I could release the grip of fear on my life I would be free to rest in His will.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. II Corinthians 3:17b

Break free!

If God has spoken to you, it is time to step out. He is calling you by name. Answer. Obey. Fear can be cast out and overcome by the power of faith in God. His love overcomes all fear that threatens to hold you back.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” I John 4:18a

What is God calling you to do? Don’t be afraid.

You CAN do it. His power is more than enough. Tell fear to step back. Take a step forward in faith. God’s voice is not your imagination.

What is He saying to you?

Love & Blessings,

Micah