Whom Do We Fear?

Part 2

As stated in the previous article, when we fear God at least four things will result:

1. We will surrender our dearest possessions and gifts to their rightful Owner;

2. We will run from sin;

3. We won't abuse our power over people;

4. We will give God all the glory.

While the believer is to fear God and live in reverential awe before His Father-Redeemer, this same God calls him not to fear evil forces, people, failure, aloneness, and need. Our vertical relationship is to be characterized by reverence; our horizontal relationships are to be marked by assurance, faith, courage and strength.

Let us note what the Christian is not to fear.

The Christian is not to fear when sent by God to perform a special mission. God often assigns difficult tasks to His people. They are perceived to be difficult by man because they cannot be accomplished by trusting in human resources; they require the strength and wisdom of God.

The Lord calls His followers to a variety of roles: leadership, evangelism, prophecy, pastoring and teaching, Although you may not have a full-time Christian calling, yet as with all Christians, you will periodically be directed by the Holy Spirit to accept a hard assignment.

Because we fear criticism and the possibility of failure, we are quick to provide God with a litany of excuses as to why we can't do what He is calling us to do. Frequently we echo Moses' response to God when called to be Israel's leader: "What if..." (Exodus 4:1). Fear often shrouds itself with human reasoning,

As Moses' successor, Joshua was repeatedly warned by God to guard against fear:

"Be strong and courageous."

"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged."

"Do not be afraid" (Joshua 1:5-7, 9, 18; 8:1; 10:25).

Why does the Christian need to be fearless when called by God to perform difficult tasks? Because God has promised to be "with" him. Listen to God's assurances to Joshua:

"I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

"the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

"I am with you" (1oshua 1:5, 9; 3:7)

Christian, take courage. You can do what God has called you to do because He has promised to accompany those He calls.

The Christian is not to fear when facing the forces of evil. The Apostle Paul identifies these forces as "rulers ... authorities ... powers of this dark world ... spiritual forces in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Every earnest Christian knows what it is to do battle in Jesus' name against demonic powers. These forces are real and powerful, but they're no match for the discerning believer.

The Old Testament provides us with a vivid insight into how over-matched the powers of darkness are. When the king of Aram besieged Israel the prophet Elisha's servant reported that he had seen an army that vastly outnumbered Israel's army. He asked the man of God, "What shall we do?" Elisha knew God was not to be intimidated by the devil's numbers. He confidently encouraged his fearful servant, "Don't be afraid.... Those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:15-16).

The Christian is not to fear when facing the forces of evil because the God we serve is all-powerful and always in the majority. In the words of Martin Luther:

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

The Christian is not to fear need. Too many children of God are living a life of worry. They are fear-filled instead of faith-filled. They fear whether or not they will have food enough, mortgage/rent money enough, retirement resources enough, etc.

Jesus warned His followers, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with ... the anxieties of life" (Luke 21:34). Our Lord repeatedly admonished His disciples in His sermon on the mount not to worry. Peter tells us what to do about the fear of need: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (Peter 5:7).

After we have lived as wisely as we can, the Lord tells us to trust Him, to believe, to take our worries and leave them with Him. As our heavenly Father, He cares for us far more than we can ever imagine. He cares for YOU!

Yes, the Christian need not fear when on special assignment, when facing evil forces, when wondering about having his needs being supplied. Why? Because God is always with him, God is always in the majority, and God always looks after His own.

– Soli Deo Gloria –