Trust God’s Love

Give Fear the Shove

by Pastor John Hamel

 

"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." (1 John 4:18)

 

The Bible says that Satan, not Jehovah, is "The god (note the small "g") of this world." (2 Corinthians 4:4)  Because Satan so strongly influences many of the things that occur in this world, particularly the media, fear-based thinking prevails.  Cable TV, newspapers, radio, magazine articles seem to pump out nothing but negative, evil reports of all that is going wrong in the world. 

 

This definitely impacts the thinking of those who submit themselves to it.  In spite of this, it is still possible to live a life of faith and peace in the world.  Some believe this is "impossible nonsense" but the Bible teaches otherwise.  

 

A "no fear" existence is not only achievable; it is the will of God for all of His family.

 

In order for the Believer to get a chokehold on fear for the express purpose of running it off, one must first understand that fear is not simply a "reaction" to outward circumstances.  Fear is an actual spiritual force.  It is as much a spiritual force as love, joy, peace, patience and all the other fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 and 23.  

 

However, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are constructive forces.  The fruits of the flesh, all of which are rooted in fear, are destructive forces. (Galatians 5:19-21)  

 

Fear is the number one weapon in Satan's arsenal.  He knows by getting the Born Again Believer into fear, he can absolutely ruin their faith and relationship with God. 

 

Satan realizes more than most human beings do that fear is actually the complete opposite of faith.  

 

As a matter of fact, Satan responds to fear-filled words and actions as aggressively as the Almighty responds to faith-filled words and actions.  This is how he intends to drive a wedge between the Believer and God.  He knows he must get them into fear as quickly as possible and at all costs.

 

Satan uses fear-based journalism via the internet, television, radio, newspapers, etc., as one of his primary means of getting people, Believers and unbelievers, to operate in fear.  He knows that a steady diet of fear-based information spells nothing but filth, blockage, tragedy and death. 

 

Listening to the demonically controlled media outlets of the world with any degree of regularity will cause anyone to begin to worry. Worry is the by product of fear. Fear will completely take your focus off of faith and what God promises to do to help you. 

 

Fear is actually faith in Satan's ability to destroy you.  This is when things become extremely dangerous.  

 

The Apostle Peter discovered real quickly what fear could do to faith when he stepped out to walk on the water with Jesus.  Jesus extended an invitation for Peter to do so and everything started out just fine. 

 

"Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus." (Matthew 14:29 Message Bible) 

 

Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and His promise to help him walk on the water, rolled up his tunic and out of the boat he went, literally walking on water.  He released faith-filled words, followed by faith-based actions and bingo, the laws of nature were suspended and a true miracle was slung into motion.  However, Peter no sooner began to walk on the boisterous sea when suddenly things began to change dramatically. 

 

"But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"  Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down, grabbed his hand. Then said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"  (Matthew 14:30,31 Message Bible) 

 

Apparently he looked down and discovered he was walking on some mighty powerful waves.  He began focusing, or meditating, on the destructive capabilities of those waves, completely forgetting about Jesus' promise to help him.  He got his eyes off of Jesus and back on to his natural circumstances and bingo, the laws of nature went back into operation and Peter was now in deep water.  Up to his waist most likely, to where Jesus, Himself walking on the water, had to reach out and rescue him. 

 

Jesus said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"  The answer?  Fear.  Fear got into Peter and quenched his faith.

 

Peter fell back into fear-filled words and actions all by looking at his natural circumstances, ignoring Jesus' promise to help him.  It wasn't the wind and the boisterous waves that defeated Peter.  It was his fear of the wind and the waves.  The more he thought on what that wind and those waves could do to him, the deeper he went into fear. 

 

Fear comes by meditating on Satan's lies and natural circumstances even as faith comes by meditating on God's promises to protect us and to provide for us. (Romans 10:17) 

 

All Peter had to do was stay focused on how much Jesus loved him and how Jesus' love for him would never allow him to drown while he was obeying Him.  This is why we opened this study with the Scripture "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." (1 John 4:18)

 

I would like to simplify that verse for us.  When Believers understand how much God loves them and desires to protect them and to provide for them, there is no need to ever fear.  Revelation of God's love quenches every tormenting thought that says He may not protect us or provide for us.  Revelation of God's perfect love for His family casts out all fear, driving it away.  

 

Believers who operate in fear have not perfected their understanding of God's tremendous love for them.  This is what the Apostle John is communicating in First John 4:18.  Our early 17th century translation of the Bible says it in "Kingeth Jameth."  I just explained it in a more contemporary form, which hopefully makes what John actually said clearer. 

 

One way to perfect our understanding of God's love for us is by replacing the word "God" with the word "Love" as we're reading our Bibles.  This brings astounding revelation of God's love, which in turn absolutely crushes the force of fear in the life of the Believer.

 

So shut that TV and radio off for a while if fear has been choking off God's promises in your life.  Push away from all negative media reporting.  If you go online, deliberately access only sites that promote faith not fear.  Deliberately gravitate towards other Believers who are in the process of conquering fear, Believers who talk faith and act faith.  Look for God's positive in every situation. 

 

Whatever Satan threatens you with, go directly to the Bible and find out immediately what God promises to counteract it.  Your Pastor and other Spiritual mentors can help you with this as you're still learning your way around the Bible. 

 

Start saying what God says about your situation and that spirit of fear will dissipate like morning dew in the hot afternoon sun.  

 

Pray this prayer.  "Spirit of fear, I reject you in Jesus' Name.  You have no place in me.  My Father loves me and He promises to protect and to provide for me.  I believe in His love.  If He gave me Jesus, then He'll give me whatever I need to get through my present circumstances.  I'll come out of this better and not bitter.  My Father's love for me is perfect and I receive it.  I trust it.  It is so because I say it is so.  In Jesus' Name." 

 

Feed your faith on the promises of God.  That will starve your fears to death. 

 


Be Blessed ... John and Barbara Hamel

 

 

How to Be Born Again (Receive Christ as Your Savior)

 

How to Receive The Holy Spirit & Power

 

 

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