Encouragement for Today - Jan. 3, 2007
Encouragement for Today
“No Need to Fear”
Micca Campbell, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Author, Director of Outreach
Key Verse:
Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.” (NKJ)
Devotion:
Five-year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you." Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said, "Jesus, if You're in there, would You hand me that can of tomato soup?"
Fear is a paralyzing emotion. It keeps us from many things. Fear can prevent us from using our gifts and talents. It can keep us from doing our jobs. Fear causes us to worry about getting sick. It makes us suspicious of others. Fear can stop us from pursuing relationships or unfulfilled dreams. It causes us to worry unnecessarily about loved ones or doubt our parenting skills. Fear isolates us from our family and friends. It can keep us up at night and shut us down during the day.
Like Johnny, we’d be less fearful if we knew for sure Jesus was there to hand us our can of soup instead of having to get it alone. The truth is we don’t have to go it alone. Jesus has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. That gives us reason not to fear.
Did you know that the phrase, “fear not,” is written in the Bible 365 times? That’s one “fear not” for every day of the year! As a result of that truth, you and I can move forward into the New Year with confidence. Each day God’s message is the same:
“Fear not that job interview, I am with you.”
“Fear not becoming a new mom, I will help you.”
“Fear not in college, for I am there.”
“Fear not in decision making, I will guide you.”
“Fear not for your children, I love them more.”
“Fear not death, I am the resurrected One.”
“Fear not being alone, I will never leave you.”
“Fear not serving in that area, I have placed you there.”
“Fear not what others think, I think you’re special.”
“Fear not____________, I am always with you even until the ends of the Earth.”
Do you think God is sending a message to His children?
Those who live a life of sin, indeed, fear death and judgment, and rightly so. However, the Spirit of adoption helps us realize the rich reality that Christ conquered death and sin. “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. What more is there to fear?
Whatever you and I face throughout the year, we need not worry. God has broken the spirit of fear and given us the assurance that nothing can snatch us from His hand. As God’s children, we can go to Him without hesitation and cry out, “Abba, Father,” which means daddy, confident that He will hear and answer our cries. …And if need be, hand us a can of soup.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, thank you that because I’m Your child I have nothing to fear. Teach me to live in Your presence so when fear comes knocking, You can answer the door, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Additional Resources:
Micca Campbell's Testimony DVD
Scriptures for Battling Fear, ETC Corner
The P31 Woman Magazine
Application Steps:
Meditate and memorize the Power Verses for today. Allow them to sink deep into your heart and mind so that the next time fear strikes, faith in God will be your strength and your confidence.
Reflection Points:
Ask yourself if what you are worrying about is really necessary or are you making more out of your situation than you should?
What benefit to do receive from being anxious?
What benefit do you receive from trusting God and exercise faith instead of fear?
What steps can you take in finding rest; prayer, making a list so you can visibly see what’s important to be concerned about and what’s not, or trusting God for the out come instead of yourself.
Do you believe that fear is the opposite of faith? If so, what do you need to do?
Power Verses:
Isaiah, 41:13, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (NIV
Proverbs 3: 25-26, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” (NIV)
I Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:6, “So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" “(NIV)
Psalms 27:1, 3, “The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.” (NIV)
