Freedom From Fear?

The Holy Spirit was alive and well today at church! When Dr. Youseff got on stage and I saw the title of the message "Freedom From Fear" I gulped, as if to hear God clearing His throat to get my attention and further insinuating "this one is for you". Fear is such a struggle of mine! I have "what if" fears all the time. "What if Curtis died? What if our house burnt down? What if we never have children?" Not healthy.

Is there such a thing? Can we really live a life free of the everyday fears? In a society of "self-help", "do-it-yourself", "name-it-and-claim-it", "determine your own destiny", "control your fate", "get happy", "be free", "live well" mottos, I would say no.

You cannot, in and of your fallen, sinful flesh, be free of something that comes with this body. I believe we serve a Sovereign God who is in control of all things. Don't get me wrong, we're not puppets -- there is definitely free will. Yet, nothing happens to us that is out of God's control. So, no, I do not think we can overcome fear on our own. That would just be playing tricks on ourselves.

BUT, because we serve a mighty God, He can overcome our fears for us! Through the work of the cross, we have nothing to fear!

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Ps. 34:4

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Is. 12:2

Dr. Youseff said, "when you fear you have lost confidence in the God who loves you! Fear is to Satan what faith is to God. Yet, faith will conquer fear every time!"

A loss of confidence with God? But it's true! Fellow believers, think it through. He has redeemed us, delivered us from eternal death, called us by name -- we are HIS! He cares for us, out of no merit of our own. He has our best interest at heart!

So, I'm choosing faith. I choose to trust Him. I look at all the blessings He has poured out on me and my cup is overflowing! Sure, I could think of things I want, but all my needs have been met! Every need. How could I not trust Him? How could I not trust the very God of creation with also blessing us with a child, in His perfect time?

I'm not totally naive. I know that fears will still creep in. This is a moment-by-moment, daily, weekly, monthly...commitment. And last night as I laid in bed, I made a point to think of all my reoccurring fears. With each fear I repeated Luke 8:50, "Do not be afraid; just believe". It was so powerful! I could feel the fear wash away. So, to this verse I will cling..."Do not be afraid; just believe."

Lord Jesus, continue to bring Your sweet words back to my mind when fear creeps in. 'Do not be afraid; just believe.' Father, I want to believe -- help my unbelief! Thank You that You can overcome my fears -- and You will. Help me to release the grip and take my eyes off the circumstances and look to You -- the author and finisher of the faith. Father, I trust Your perfect plan to bring babies to me and my dear friends in Your perfect time. Thank You for never leaving us. Help us to sense Your presence today. Increase our faith! Our hope is in You.