Ancient Words For Today - 80
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel... 2 Timothy 1:7-10a
When we understand and believe the scriptural truth that God has received each one of us into His kingdom by an act of His grace, and that He had a specific holy calling (purpose) in mind for us before the world began, it should begin to build our confidence and relieve any fears we might have about our relationship with Him or about our ability to fulfill His purpose for our life.
God has not given us the spirit of fear. Fearful thoughts come not from God, but are a by-product of our own unbelief. This includes the fear of failure that sometimes comes when we recall our previous failures - that resulted from trying to do things our own way and in our own strength and power. We can also become afraid when we fail to understand the unlimited resources of God that are available to us, His children, and the fact that God wants us to succeed in what He has called us to do. Fear also may arise if we listen to the lies of Satan, the father of lies, who would have us to believe that the task ahead of us is too great for us and then tries to bushwhack us and put obstacles in our way to discourage and turn us away from following through to accomplish God's plan. Thankfully, the scripture assures us that Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
God has given to us the Spirit of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND. This ensures us that we have all the necessary resources to draw upon and succeed in God's plan for our life. Our part is to trust God's plan, rely on His timing, and to use the spiritual power, gifts and resources He makes available to us to do His will. God has indwelled us by His Holy Spirit who strengthens us, teaches us about God's promises to us, and empowers us to do the things He asks of us. Being able to walk with a Spirit of Love, as the power of His unfailing love works in and through us, is the greatest gift of all! God has also given us His Holy Word so we can know the truth and discern good from evil, and daily renew our mind as we meditate on His precepts, and learn His ways.
Below are a few scriptures to keep in mind as you trust God, seek to know His plan for your life, and then watch it unfold day by day:
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:1-4
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 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. 1 John 4:13-18
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:1-6