We just wrapped up a massive youth conference that my husband, Tyler, and I were a part of. On Wednesday morning, I preached a message about fear; how we need to close the gap on fear and go to faith. Fear will always creep its way in our lives but God is in control and we should lean onto Him in times that we feel fearful. I’m a very fearful person so if you’re like me, this should help.

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The biggest battle a Christian will ever face will occur between your ears and in your mind. You will either be a person who controls your mind or you will be a person who is controlled by their mind. Our mind is the area of most consistent attack by the enemy. He puts fear in our minds that cripple us from doing God’s will.

What are we setting your eyes and mind on when we are faced with fear? Do you bounce back? Or are you lifting your eyes to Heaven? Or let that moment of fear define you?

The bible says: Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean you will never fear. We have to allow his presence to overcome and consume any fear – in Him we can do anything.

In Ps 23:4 we read – Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

(ps – I read this verse almost every day because like I said, I’m a very fearful person!!)

The fact that God is with you and me does not guarantee you will not walk through a trial, but we need to remember that those times of trial (or fear) are only for a season. He has not intended us to live in the valleys but to get through them to get to the mountain top.

We live in a world that is covered in fear. But God’s word says we are conquerers and are the light in dark places.
It’s time we close the gap of fear and start turning to faith. Your mind will tell you differently. Fear will force its way on us, but Jesus only by invitation. It doesn’t matter where you look (Facebook, Fox News, Twitter, etc) fear is there. Its what covers our eyes and if we aren’t careful, we can live a life that is purely dictated based on fear and not faith.

When you are feeling fearful, remember these 3 things!

1. HE IS WITH US
God says when you’re in a situation that causes you to fear to put your mind on the fact that He is near.
His presence is the antidote to fear.
Fear wants to make you feel like you are alone, that no one loves you, no one cares, you aren’t going to get through this but that’s not what God says.
God ‘with’ us does not mean that He is inactive – He is always working on our behalf.
Don’t let life get rocky before we start praising God, Make it an everyday thing. My words can either worry or worship.
He is actively working with us and is so for you!
He is active with us in our dreams, hopes, and prayers.
Faith is the cord that connects us to the source. I want that cord to be short when it comes to me and God. If you have all these gaps, the cord is longer.

2. HE HAS GIVEN US A NEW SPIRIT
From the moment you got saved and accepted Jesus in your life, you take on the identity of Christ.
2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Don’t look at your past and let it define you. If you can’t get a vision for your future, you will always look to the past.

3. IN HIM, WE HAVE VICTORY
Jesus wins, we win!
Goliath attempted to bully David out of his calling by fear. He told David that what he was doing was insignificant and his family/friends hated him. Goliath mocked him because of his size and told David, you have no chance! The giant threw every insult at David he could but instead of turning to fear, David went to faith and boldness.
David starting declaring the promises of God instead of believing the fear he was being faced with. What are you believing? The promises of God or the fear of the world?

Today lets tear down every thought of fear!! It’s time to close the gap on fear and go to faith.

 

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