Don’t Let Your Fear Cheat You Out Of Your Faith.

By Greg Sanders

Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

The only time the Bible says, “Do not be afraid” is when there is definitely something to be fear. Joseph and Mary had plenty of things to fear. Just the fear of the social ramifications of the pregnancy was scary enough. Not to mention the scrutiny that would come from the claim that their son was the Messiah. The angel gave a couple of reasons not to fear.

Do not fear because God is in this. Following the plan of God will lead you to some scary places. Following the will of God will cause you take some risks. There is always a lag between the time you take a step in obedience and the time you see the manifestation of the promise. It is in these times of waiting when fear speaks loudest to our hearts. The angel said, “Do not fear.” God is in this. If God has brought you to the place you are in, you can be assured He can bring you through it as well.

Do not fear because God is with you.Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”). The way you overcome fear is by realizing WHO is with you. One of the great facts Christmas reminds me of every year is the fact that God is with us. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Even when God does not bring the struggles to our life, you can be assured He will be there with you. Sometimes our struggles are the result of our own bad choices. Your bad choice does not chase away the presence of Jesus. He is there to restore you and receive you. He is Immanuel.

Today’s Challenge: Confront your fears with His presence. Remember that He is with you. If you are in between steps of obedience today, don’t let what He has not yet done convince you that He will not do it. Fear not, He is with you.

Blessings,

Greg