![[ARTICLE] CONFRONTING YOUR FEARS BY PST. NYONG UMOH](https://henotace.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/DSC_47782.jpg)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Introduction
Fear is a serious matter, it has a crippling and troubling power, for you to be a victorious person in your journey to success, you must confront every kind of fears in your life. It takes courage to confront fears, fears are not meant to stop us from pursuing our dreams, they are temporary setbacks but many surrender their dreams, visions, goals and quest for greatness to the temporary overwhelming pressure of fear, as such they stop giving their best, they become complacent and they are no longer interested in pursuing their dream that once got them clamoring for change.
Satan the enemy of our soul as used fear effectively as a weapon over the ages, to stop those who should be champions and if you want to be a successful person, you must be willing to confront your fears or show me a successful person and I’ll show you someone who confronts his or her fears and takes action!
Examining Our Fears
Have you ever been afraid or anxious before trying a new or challenging activity? Has that fear ever stopped you from taking action? I’m sure you’ve been paralyzed by fear at one time or another in your life. I know you have. That’s simply part of being human.
Every human being has a different fear threshold. What frightens one person to death might have little impact on someone else. For example, to some, speaking in public or starting a new business is scary. Others might be fearful about asking someone for directions or for a date. Regardless of how trivial or silly you believe your fears may be. Hear what David says in Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears”.
When I talk about fear, I’m not referring to physical risks that might injure you or endanger your health, what I’m talking about here are those challenges that stand in the way of your success in life. These are the things that scare you but which you know are necessary if you’re going to get what you want in life.
The Comfort Zone
When you’re gripped by fear and anxiety, it’s usually because you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. Let’s take some time to discuss this important concept and how it relates to your success and the development of your potential. Each of us has a comfort zone, a zone of behavior that is familiar to us and where we feel comfortable and safe.
Comfort zone is a certain level you attain in life, and settle for with no or very little effort to advance beyond it as a result of fear. It is also known as self-limitation. Many people died without fulfilling their destiny, because they felt they had arrived at their destination. Many ministers of God, friends always thank God for me, while some congratulate me after my wedding, but my reply to them is that I have not yet started, because men of vision don’t set their present level as anything.
The Basic Human Fear
Now, this are the basic human fears which can hold one back in his/her career, relationships, and in achieving dreams: (1) the fear of death, (2) the fear of rejection, (3) the fear of failure, (4) the fear of uncertainty, (5) the fear of loneliness, (6) the fear of change, (7) the fear of loss of freedom/liberty, (8) the fear of poverty, (9) the fear of paint, (10) the fear of disappointment, (11) the fear of the unknown.
Facts About Fear
One of the continual battles for each Christian is against fear. Thus, it is profitable to realize what the Bible reveals and know the biblical facts about fear. Fear is when a Christian becomes double-minded, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” James 1: 8. Fear is a spirit but it is not given to man by God “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7, fear is spiritual attack to steal peace and even destiny. Fear is a tormentor “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” 1John4:18. Satan uses the spirit of fear to steal, to kill and to destroy “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10. Fear steals one miracle – Matthew 14: 25 – 31.
How To Confront Your Fears
To confront your fears, you must know God because He is the final answer to all human fears
Focus on God, not your problems or challenges.
Trust in God’s timing, not your own timing.
Believe God irrespective of your situations and circumstances.
Learn to obey God one step at a time.
Embrace the love of God
Increase your faith by exercises of your spiritual musicle through the word of God.
Then, confront your fears.
Conclusion
Our salvation equips us with the grace, power and weapons to be a victorious Christians in the journey and battle of life. We all have some fears to wrestle with at one time or the other; but like David, we must shun the spirit of fear and take up the spirit that confronts to conquer. How will it work? The solution to fear is to see the Truth about God, that God is love, and that God is faithful. This is much better than to spend all time and energy trying to make fear go away. No. The light will drive out the darkness, you cannot just fight darkness. You must have light to fight darkness. Thankfully, Jesus promised that if we continually seek God, the Holy Spirit will bring us light and Truth. Jesus said, “Fear Not. It Is I.” This is the solution. God will bring us into situation where we must confront our fears because this equals facing lies and places where we lack faith. And if we do confront them, we will overcome them in Christ. The result will be a growing knowledge of Jesus Christ and freedom from the lie of fear.
Our prayers for you is that, every darkness in your life shall be overwhelm with light and your fears, you shall conquer – Amen.
If this message has been a blessing to you, kindly write to us at PENIEL, Non-Denominational Christian Outreach, email:penielchristiansoutreach@gmail.com follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/penielChristianForum, Twitter: @reachPeniel also contact us on mobile – Pastor Umoh +2349090590263 or Aidee Umoh +2347058147498. We look forward to hearing from you.
