SCRIPTURE:
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.””
Acts 18:9-10
OBSERVATION:
FEAR has been described by the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real conveying the point that we typically fear because we choose to believe that which is false rather than that which is true. As a child, our mind would tell us that something scary lurked when the lights were turned out and the room was dark, and as an adult our mind tells us situations are out of control and that we’re doomed for failure…false evidence appearing real. But, God’s Word tells us that His perfect love casts out all fear, that He works all things together for good, and that He is our Shield and Refuge. The difference between fear and hope is knowing His presence and promise. In Acts 18 God speaks to Paul through a vision to remind him not to fear but to remain faithful, and God’s reasoning:
-For I am with you
-Christian brothers and sisters are with you
APPLICATION:
Today, I rejoice that I don’t have to believe the false evidence that tells me I’m doomed, I rejoice that I don’t have to live in fear, and I rejoice that I don’t have to cower in worry. Today I rejoice that I have the assurance that I can overcome fear, not because I am powerful or capable but, because He is powerful and capable and He is with me! Beyond that, I have the support and care of the “many people” of His church who are with me. I’m not alone and His presence and promises are assured, thus I walk in victory.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your presence and promises. They are undeserved, yet you pour them out upon us. For those that are living in fear, I pray that You would release them from that bondage and empower them to rejoice in Your presence and to trust in Your promises. May today be a day where Your saints walk in Your victory! In Your name, Amen
