Dealing With Fear Part II

     Let's continue now with Part II of  Dealing With Fear

     We know according to our opening scripture found in II Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us a Spirit of Fear, but of Power, and of Love and of a Sound Mind. 

     So let's explore the meaning of this word Power and unfold some truths so we may better understand what the Lord has made available for us.

     If we look up this word Power in the Lexicon it tells us that it means:  Power, especially inherent power, authority or control.  It can also be the influence, ability or agency that produces a change in direction or speed due to resources available.

     But what is "inherent power"?  It is that dunamis power that exists in you as a permanent characteristic and acts as a force which gives you the mental or moral strength to overcome opposition.  
     
     In Philippians 4:13 (AMP) tell us:  I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am  sufficfient in Christ's sufficiency).
    
     So when Christ infuses us with inner strength, He pours within us a part of Himself that enables us to face, resist, fight and overcome every demonic fear with enough power to stand and defeat every fear. 

     Now let's talk about the word "Love" in II Timothy 1:7.  At a glance, it doesn't seem that Love could be effective in conquering "Fear" but we can plainly see in I John 4:18 it tells us:
                There is no fear in love; but perfect (mature) love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

     The word Casteth in this scripture means:  To throw off violently and to abandon something regarded as no longer useful.

     So what is this scripture telling us?  That the complete Love that Christ is working in us will throw off  Fear violently.  In other words, Love will show Fear no mercy. 

     The more we Love God, the less Fear we will have, because the more we know Him and experiencing Him in our lives the more we will learn to trust Him and truly believe what Romans 8:28 promises us:

          Verse 28:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.

Remember:  Don't let "Fear" be a driving force that keeps you bound to your past and fearful of your future. 

     And our last area God has given us that will help us overcome and defeat Fear is with a Sound Mind.

     Most of the time our Fears are the result of wrong thinking.  But something happens when we begin to meditate and act on the Word of God.  We begin to trust Him and our minds are renewed as Romans 12:2 tells us: 

           And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

     This is interesting that the word Transformed in this scripture means:  Metamorphose, change and transfigure and comes from a word that means:  To form.

     So what happens in the renewing of the mind process?  Our minds are renovated by the power of the Word of God. Those old thought patterns are torn down and are transformed, healed and changed.  Our thinking becomes disciplined and Fear no longer controls or dominates our thinking or our lives.

     Remember:  Conquering Fear is not a matter of self determination, but a matter of dependence on God, His word and the power of the Holy Spirit to work in your life.

Blessings,

Elma Garlock