Faith over Fear

FAITH:  now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen [now]

FEAR:  a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid;…there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

True religion, or a heart right toward God and man, banishes all doubt, all painful uncertainty; the Spirit of God bearing witness with the spirit of a Christian, that he/she is “a child of God.” as such it banishes any and all fear that would torment us; the fear of the wrath of God; the fear of hell; the fear of the devil; and, in particular, the fear of death: those  who are truly born again are free from the torment of these fears, because of the peace of God given through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the propitiation of our sins. Since we know with assurance that God has accepted the payment of Christ’s blood as full payment for our sins, we can safely feel secure from the wrath of God, in judgment of such sin, as Jesus has fully satisfied the wrath of God, concerning our sins. This of course is not the only fear of man, there are other little foxes we must defeat, such as; the fear of failing; this is a common fear among those who constantly compare themselves to others concluding that everyone else is better that them and far more competent; this fear is overcome when we learn that God causes all things to work together for our good [the redeemed] because we love Him and we are called into His service according to His own purpose. The word of God tells us that we who delight ourselves in the law of the Lord shall be granted the desires of their heart. Because neither the plan nor the purpose of God can fail, we have a blessed assurance that  He is causing all things to work together for our good; He is with us always and He promises us His support in all of our endeavors [all that ye put your hands to shall prosper] this may not always be readily apparent, yet it is always true, because it has been declared by God Himself; therefore we can rely wholly, on the sanctity of God’s Word,  to accomplish what it is sent to do. There are many fears common to man, yet to those who trust in the Lord with all their heart, these fears are nothing more than lying vanities. Anything that brings our confidence in God’s love and therefore provision into question should be immediately rebuked, and cast aside. Fear and Faith cannot co-exist yet many hold on to fear through their frequent utterance of them, giving reinforcement to them, rather than confessing what God has told us in His word. All too often unaware of the subtle entrapment. One must learn to stand against fear with faith and that faith must rest squarely on the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith; Jesus is a sure foundation and His word of promise is yes and amen; yesterday, today and forever more;  …”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.  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.