Psychology tells us about the body’s natural mechanism in the face of danger – flight or fight. Our response depends significantly on our opposition, environment, and options. If the challenge seems small, for example, a stray goat, we can pursue it to leave us. Conversely, if it were a swarm of bees, although tiny insects, their sheer impact and number would make a wise individual run away to prevent avoidable stories. Again, if we are in the midst of people we want to impress, we are most likely to fight to create that impression that we are brave. Finally, fighting might be the only option when one’s back is against the wall without any option to escape, as shown in videos where seemingly small prey turns to attack their predators.
Beyond our adrenaline directing us on a biological self-preservation approach, there is another deep underlying reality that believers face on a daily basis. The Amplified version renders 2 Timothy 1:7 in this light, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” What a powerful summary of the expected state in the mind of believers who call on the name of the Lord. We ought to have the spirit of power, love, sound judgment, and personal discipline in everything we do. The opposite of that divine reality is the spirit of timidity, cowardice, and fear. If we are timid or afraid, it begs the important question: who has given us the spirit of fear?
When we see ourselves operating in a reality that is incongruent with what the Bible explains, we should pause for a moment and find out why. Why are you afraid when making decisions in life and ministry? Perhaps you want to take an important step in your life, pursue a career, start a family, enter into higher dimensions in ministry, seek a promotion, make an investment, redefine yourself, embark on a project, dive into deeper realities with God, or whatever your heart desires. You find yourself fearfully questioning and doubting every move you want to make, pause, and ask yourself, who gave me this spirit of fear? The answer may shock you as you realize that although it could come through the actions or inactions of people, information from the news, prior experiences, or imaginations blown out of proportion, that spirit of fear comes from the devil.
Once we realize the source of the spirit of fear, our next response should be to see what Jesus says about the devil. In 1 John 3:7 (KJV), “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” The spirit of fear is one of the works of the devil that we ought to destroy as believers. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Thus, Jesus is able to liberate believers from that spirit of fear. Fear blows things out of proportion. It amplifies the doubt and limitations and presents challenges as insurmountable mountains that cannot be overcome. However, we overcome the devil by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimonies. Live under the covering of Jesus's blood and proclaim God's testimony. Question your doubts, fears, and challenges based on the scriptures, and believe God’s words over that fear.
Finally, note that rebuking the spirit of fear doesn’t mean that we throw caution to the wind. Remember, the text tells us we have a calm and well-balanced mind. That balance makes us evaluate our options carefully and make the best decisions, not out of fear but based on the information within the confines of the scriptures. Paul the apostle did not fall into the trap of people who vowed to kill him. He made adequate proactive preparations with the information received, and the captain provided security for him. If he had operated with the spirit of fear, he might not have left that vicinity to continue God’s work. Similarly, Jesus knew the minds of all men and did not commit himself to certain people based on his balanced mind. The spirit of God helps us to make the right decisions in times of crisis. In all situations, you find yourself it is important to remember that “Faithful is He who has called us and who also will do it”.
ACTION POINT
Pray that the Almighty God perfects, strengthens, and enables you to perform all His good pleasures free from the spirit of fear in Jesus name (Amen).
leave a comment on this article