February 10, 2018
Sermon: Vasti Putter
We must refuse to live in fear.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
There are levels that one grows out of fear. Everyone has different levels of fear. Everyone experience fear if something new comes their way. Along with fear one can also experience an excitement.
In every situation there is a new devil, who want to makes one doubin everything. The enemy always wants to discourage us to do what God sends us out to do, or if life gives us a better chance, the devil brings doubt and confusion.
Doubts can stop us from even starting something that the Lord wants us to do before we even start with it. He makes the plans we want to achieve stop before we even start. Example I want to read more Bible or attend Bible study and even in living a healthy life I want to exercise more. The voice of doubt will follow and you start with excuses.
The Lord wants us to grow, He helps us to take every step as we climb the hill of life. We just have to take the first step. We need discipline so you can grow in God.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Genesis 21:22
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
The Lord sets potential free by fear, where the enemy is trying to stifle you.
One can fear, but in the right way ...
Revelation of John 19:5
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
When God speak of fear, fear for Him is not that we must be frightened. Fear rood form is φοβέω [FOBE/W] {phobéō} \fob-eh'-o\. That means: by analogy, to be in awe of.
Awe means a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Synonyms are wonder, wonderment, amazement, astonishment, admiration, reverence, veneration, respect.
Psalms 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
The fear God brings on our way is to purify us. The fear brings discomfort and pain, we have to break through the border. God wants to strengthen us, we're not going to grow in faith if everything just goes our way.
God also gives us the power to learn, so that when something comes our way we are ready to handle it. He always gives us strength and guidance in all of our life phases.
Your God always carries us, so we can never doubt his goodness.
Our weaknesses and fears do not come to mind if things are going well with us, but if things go bad then it comes.
The Lord shows us that if we fall into the same fear again, we can learn from our past mistakes. The let us grow that we do not make the same mistake again.
In the desert, the Israelites got manna to eat so that they could humble themselves. God humbles us everyday so that we know that all praise goes to Him.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do it readily, as to the Lord and not to men; Being certain that the Lord will give you the reward of the heritage: for you are the servants of the Lord Christ.
After the race or fear or doubt, the Lord wants to show you that there is a better way.
It sometimes feels like the Lord doesn't understand you. How am I going to do this? It sometimes feels as if the task is too big. God will always give help, just be strong and courageous.
Do not let the enemy stop you quietly and let you leave your duty and the will of God behind. Don't lie down, get up and hold on to God.
God will not bring anything on your path that you will not be able to handle, He will also give you the power and the guidance. God does not withdraw Himself, He is always there.
God is almighty, He sent His Son to die for our sins and prepare the way for us. So God will never leave you.
We must not stagnate, we are capable of everything. We must be courageous and we are not alone.
I am with you all the way: Said God.
