James 2:14, New Living Translation

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

Fear is a liar! Not only is fear a liar, but it can show us the areas of our lives where we do not trust God. What could we be afraid of? Where could we not trust God? Rejection, provision, protection. Ultimately, we want to be loved, we want to be assured that we have all that we need, we want to know that we are safe. Unfortunately, due to our experiences in life, it clouds our view of who God really is and the fact that He is trustworthy!

We have heard the phrase “Faith over fear” many times. We have the option to choose what we believe. In James 2:14 (NLT) it says, “What good is it, dear brothers, and sisters, if you have faith, but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

If we let fear rule over us, our fear, our distrust, in our Father can have a negative impact on our lives. This fear and distrust of God cannot please Him and make us an easy target for the enemy. Our fear and distrust of God can also cause us to run instead of facing our fears.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him, must believe that God exists, and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” When you become afraid that you won’t have enough or that things seem to be falling apart, look back on the faithfulness of God in your life. If He was there for you, then, He will be there for you now! Also remember, we have an enemy that will do anything to get you to turn away from God.

The devil will amplify or exaggerate a scenario or feeling, or an emotion to make a situation seem worse. If we allow the enemy this access, we become the target. Instead of arming, the devil with flaming arrows, turn your eyes back to God! Don’t let other people or situations or mistakes rock your world.

When we are in the moment, it can be easy to overcome. Don’t be afraid to take some time alone with the Lord to evaluate the situation and ask Him to help you see through His eyes. He will help you to recognize the battle you are in. When you recognized the battle, you need to make the decision to choose to believe God’s word. To believe that He rewards you with good things. To believe that nothing can separate you from the love of God. To believe that under His feathers, you have refuge!

With the help of the Holy Spirit, renounce the works of the enemy and tell him he is done! Be sure to use your voice. The devil does not know our thoughts, he would have to be omniscient to do that. It seems strange or even scary, but with the Lord by your side, guiding you, you can command that satan leaves you in the name of Jesus!

Some of you may be concerned about how to pray or what to say. It doesn’t have to be a long-drawn-out complicated prayer. I will share with you with my mom shared with me. I was having a rough day at work. Nothing seemed to be going right and I was getting upset about it. I shared with my mom what had happened, and she said, “Leslie, when that happens again, you just say get behind me in Jesus’ name and he has to listen.” The next time I recognized that happening, I did exactly as she said, and she was right, he left.

I want to encourage you, trust God! Believe in Him and believe His word! There is power in His word and there is power in the name of Jesus! He is the light that leads to life. Don’t be afraid to share your fears with Him. He wants to help you overcome them!

Face everything and rise!

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us.”

(Romans 8:37, NLT)