Steps through Fear
Notes
Transcript
Story: My first adventure out of the country—to England. I was fearful, confused, and lonely. As a 19 year old, living thousands of miles from my family and friends, I struggled to find joy and peace. One day, as I was reading in the Scripture (Isaiah), I come across a passage of Scripture that reminded me—I am not alone and I have not been forgotten.
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
The truth is: God never suffers setback, and he helps those who do.
Today we are living in very confusing times.
For some, it is a grand conspiracy—where the government is unleashing a virus to control the people. In other words, thoughts motivated by fear.
For some, it is a virus that can spell disaster, especially for the elderly and the sick. In other words, thoughts motivated by fear.
For some, it is an economic struggle that may lead to financial hardship and even a national recession. In other words, thoughts motivated by fear.
Fear often is the result uncertainty. For most people, we thrive in an atmosphere of predictability and calm. When we don’t know what is going to happen, we want to fill in the blanks—and sometimes we get is right—but often we are way off.
Oftentimes, our speculation leads us to all kinds of emotions and actions motivated by those emotions—that can cause all kinds of issues.
Illustration: going shopping these last couple of days—and the panic buying.
So, how should we maneuver through the challenges of fear?
Today’s message:
Steps through Fear
Steps through Fear
First step:
Know that God is greater than your fears.
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
God is in control—even when we are out of control.
God is not surprised by our uncertainties.
God has a purpose and a plan—and it is focused on connecting humanity with His message of hope.
Our fears can be powerful—remember, God is greater than our fears.
Second Step:
Know that God cares for you.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
When adversity comes our way, we can easily feel powerless—helpless—hopeless.
Fear begets fear—and out of control fear leads us always to wrong conclusions and foolish actions.
But it is exactly in our fears, that we need to call upon God—for Help in time of trouble.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
God gives power—He give strength—so, instead of being overcome by the circumstances of life, we can become overcomers instead.
Third Step:
Remember that without God we have no hope.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
The very ones we think can excel and triumph over adversity with fail.
It is not about our ability—but it is about God’s ability.
Fourth Step:
Trust in God.
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Trusting, hoping, believing in God—lingering in His presence—confidently following in His way—leads the believer to find endless supplies of fresh strength.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
God will not fail you!
Now, it does not mean that we will not suffer—or that we will not go through difficult times. But through the suffering, through the difficult times we will experience strength to step through the fear and walk into a life of faith.
The bottom line: God loves you—and will care for you—so let Him!
That time in England—away from my family and friends, I learned the value of trusting in God and obeying His Word. So what did God say to me about fear?
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Remember, as a follower of Christ—you are a child of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
So, as we conclude our time together this morning, let me give you some practical ideas of navigating through these next several weeks and months.
Besides washing your hands,
God is greater than your fears.
God cares for you.
Without God we have no hope.
Trust God
Prayer
Final Reminder
If you need prayer, let us know (email, call, or message us).
If you have a need, let us know—we are here to do our best to help you.
Our pastoral team and church leaders are here for you!