Sunday, April 28, 2019

Conquering Fear


"After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1)

Black Bart was a professional thief whose very name struck fear as he terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line.  From San Francisco to New York, his name became synonymous with the danger of the frontier.  Between 1875 and 1883 he robbed 29 different stagecoach crews.  Amazingly, Bart did it all without firing a shot.  Because he wore a hood, no victim ever saw his face.  He never took a hostage and was never trailed by a sheriff.  Instead, Black Bart used fear to paralyze his victims.  His threatening presence was enough to overwhelm the toughest stagecoach guard.  [i]

Fear can so cripple our hearts and minds that it can prevent clear thinking.  It can make us feel nervous, defeated, and discouraged.  Fear can even keep us from having faith in God and enjoying the victory and blessing He wants to give us.

Abram was the first person in the Bible to hear the words Fear not. There were many reasons to be afraid.  He and his household faced many uncertainties.  Yet, God told Abram that He was his shield and reward.  He needed to trust Him, and not be afraid of any person or situation.  As Christians, we are not to be fearful but are to trust in the Lord.  Should Satan come against us with his lies and fear, we are to turn to God and ask that the fear be removed.

Right now, if there is any fear in your life, bring it to God.  The Bible says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)  Do not fear any person or problem you may be facing, and don’t allow fear to rule your life or keep you from experiencing God’s freedom, blessing, and victory.  Scripture reminds us that, “…God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2Timothy 1:7)

Trust in God. He is your shield and great reward.




[i] www.sermonsearch.com/sermon-illustrations/2381/black-bart, Today in the Word, August 8, 1992



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