By Candace McCormick // Bible Verses // EEW Magazine Online

Fear is not an excuse not to do the will of God. Therefore, there are things you must do despite feeling afraid to avoid missing out on what God has for you.

If you know you have been allowing fear to control your mentality, shape your reality and dictate your actions and behaviors, it’s time to stop cowering in the corner and get busy being about it—with “it” being our Father’s business (Luke 2:49).

Incase you have been shaking and quaking in your boots and need a little push to start moving in the direction that God has commanded you to go, EEW Magazine Online is offering 5 fear-fighting Scriptures to kickstart you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

After Moses’s death, Joshua had to assume a new leadership role. That was no easy task, since Joshua’s predecessor left him some big shoes to fill! Yet and still, God commanded Joshua to take on the task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Now the word “commanded” in Joshua 1:9 is a Hebrew word that means “to give orders, appoint, commission, or charge.” God gave Joshua—just as He has given you—a command, a divine charge, a mandate to say no to fear and yes to faith. The Lord expects you to answer that charge by obeying Him.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Fear attaches itself to your self-limiting beliefs and exploits the myth of self-sufficiency. When you feel like you are tasked with doing something on your own, it’s easy to identify why it won’t work. Your shortcomings, limitations, and handicaps come rushing to your mind, making a powerful case for why you should abandon this kamikaze mission immediately. However, when you confess and know that you live, move, and have your being through Christ, confidence kicks fear out. You walk in the truth that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’” (Judges 6:23)

Have you ever been so afraid you felt like you might die? When Gideon, the cowardly warrior God used to defeat the formidable Midianites, saw an angel of the Lord face to face, he was terrified. He thought, if the war doesn’t end me, this sure will. As far as he was concerned, his life was over. But God assured Gideon that he would not die from exposure to the glory of God. It is a very human reaction to fear harm when exposed to something powerful, intimidating, and overwhelming. But if God sent you and His hand is upon your life, you need not be afraid because the Lord has equipped and empowered you to survive in those circumstances.

“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?” (Psalm 27:1)

When you compare what you fear to yourself, you’ll be more intimidated. Try comparing it to God and watch what happens. Who can stand against the Lord? 2 Chronicles 20:6 tells us that no one can! Therefore, you can be heartened by the fact that the all-powerful, invincible God has commissioned and commanded you to pursue and fulfill your divine assignment. Since He sent you, no one can stop you. So, what, or who, are you fearful of? Is it, or are they, greater than God? Of course, not.

“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you…” (Jeremiah 1:8)

Too many people shy away from their purpose because they are afraid of how others will respond to them. If this is the case, the words God spoke to a young Jeremiah will embolden you: “do not be afraid of them.” Don’t worry about their response or lack thereof. Don’t be intimidated or discouraged if they shun you, talk about you, fail to support you, or view you as less-than. As long as you know that God is greater than anyone who opposes you, what reason do you have to stress over people’s opinions?

What God has placed in your heart to do for Him is important, necessary, and it is the key to you walking in the fulness of who He made you to be. Don’t let fear—the greatest intimidator, liar, and robber—stop you from realizing your full potential in the Lord. Go forth boldly and remain steadfast in the Word of God which is your weapon against fear.

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