Have you ever been suddenly gripped with fear? Consider the lilies and the orchids.
You proclaimed to every one that you trusted God even though by worldly standards your world had taken a sudden change. You had figuratively dove off the bridge, resigning your old position at God’s command before the new one was secured, and with a great leap of faith you stood upon God’s promises and declared it loudly that you are standing on hope, faith, and love (God’s love for you and yours for Him.) The new job came just as promised, details miraculously began to fall into place, all is well–then suddenly out of nowhere fear grips your heart. All of the what ifs begin to fill your mind. Now what?
Ok, as you might guess this was me yesterday afternoon. I wish I could tell you that I am a tower of strength every day; but, anyone who has followed my blog for very long knows I can be as fragile as I am strong. Often, I get caught up in my own little world and at least for a moment forget all that God has done for me and all of who I am in Christ. That was the series I wrote beginning August 14, and can be found at https://myglorytoglory.com/archives/624. Those of you who may not have read it let me remind you that In Christ, I am His redeemed (risen), blessed, beloved, chosen, child of the King-heir of royalty, imprisoned by abounding love, servant because of overwhelming gratitude, enlightened by His light, New Creation, filled with His gifted faith, and declared a Saint because of Christ imparting His righteousness to cloak me forevermore – See more at: https://myglorytoglory.com/archives/641#sthash.raeuc3yC.dpuf It is important for you to remember that in Christ you also hold all these attributes if you know Him as your Savior.
So, having this forgetful brain, I began to pray a prayer of repentance for my lack of belief after all He has already done; then I asked God for Him to fill me with the faith I needed. When I awoke this verse was playing in my head.
Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Funny, the lilies do not spin (worry). It was the first time I noticed that word; while we are always spinning, trying to figure out the next step instead of resting in God’s word. Satan, you and your fear can get behind me as I march forward to do my Father’s will.
So what four steps cause fear to flee?
1. Recognize fear as sin and confess it
2. Ask God for Faith
3. Listen for His Answer in Scripture
4. Use that Scripture to tell Satan to go away.
Have you ever been gripped with fear and a verse of scripture came to mind to dispel that fear? I would love for you to share that verse with me.
©2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Photography by Sarah Barba ©2013 http://fineartamerica.com/featured/i-dream-in-indigo-sarah-barba.html
I hope this song I found comforts you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAdRk9c1R1o
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.