FEAR, part 2
2 Timothy 1:7

“No fear”

Exodus 3—6 tells the story of God's call to Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the promised land.   When God first approached Moses with this idea, he panicked.  On five different occasions he gave God five different reasons why he couldn't do it, why he was the wrong man, why God needed to find someone else.  Finally Moses agreed to do it and the first thing that happened was that the people turned against him.  Pharaoh not only commanded the people to make more bricks, but he also said that they had to go out and gather their own straw.

Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, why hast Thou brought harm to this people? Why didst Thou ever send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy name, he has done harm to this people; and Thou hast not delivered Thy people at all.” (NASB) That's his way of saying, “Lord, I've had it, this is the last straw!”

Reflection

What can I do to eliminate or decrease my fear?  Usually the solution will involve facing the fear in some way.  Face it, but face it gradually.  Don't rush into it.  Go slowly.  Let your confidence build.  Reach out for support and encouragement.
Gaining the victory over fear can take time.  Remember what God says in Psalm 27.14, “Trust the Lord!  Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.”
There is no such thing as fearlessness.  But, that fear which exists can be faced with the courage that comes from Gods Most of the time you will dis­cover that the reality of the situation is not nearly as bad as you thought it would be.
Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus as the leader of the church.  He was a young man, and had been given a huge responsibility and authority.  He was timid in nature.  Timothy was a bit overwhelmed by it all and had some fears and apprehensions.  Paul reminded Timothy of his call and said, “God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us.  The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.”

Accountability and Application

Have you ever felt like Moses? Like Timothy? What does Paul's encourage­ment to Timothy say to you? Write about experiences from your heritage that could be of encouragement as you face your fears.

PRAYER:   Lord, forgive my fear I know I need to learn from you and to walk in faith.  Help me to learn what Jam really capable of doing through you as I choose to believe in you.

2 Timothy 1:7 (New American Standard Bible)

[7] For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.