Have you ever noticed that when God says, “Fear Not”, it is because He is leading the person into a situation that is impossible for them? When the Israelites saw that the Egyptians were pursuing them from behind and the Red Sea was in front of them, the Word of the Lord through Moses was, “…Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord…” (Exodus 14:13). When Solomon was tasked with building the Temple, the Word of the Lord through King David was, “…Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 28:20). When Mary was met by a heavenly messenger, she was told, “…Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS” (Luke 1:30-31).
Wherever the Lord is leading you, “Fear Not” from God acknowledges that it is overwhelming for you. It confirms that you are beyond your understanding, knowledge, skill level, experience, and comfort zone.“Fear Not” situations bring you to the end of yourself. It requires you to depend on God. It assures you that despite what you see, it is God who will work through you and He will not fail you.
“Fear Not” comes to move you into a new spiritual place. When the Syrian army was at war against Israel, the Prophet Elisha would warn the king of Israel of Syria’s strategy. Once the king of Syria found out that it was the prophet who disclosed his plans, he sent horses, chariots, and a great company at night to surround the city to take Elisha into custody.
And when the servant of the man of God [Elisha] was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15-17)
Elisha had no fear because he saw the protection of God around him. Once the servant’s eyes were opened, he was able to see the power of God, too. He was able to see that God was indeed for them. “Fear Not” situations open your eyes to reveal more of God to you to expand your faith. You will not be the same spiritually once you have victoriously faced a “Fear Not” situation.
It is in a “Fear Not” situation that miracles are performed. Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. While Jesus was en route to Jairus’ house, she died.
…Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole…And He [Jesus] put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she rose straightway… (Luke 8:49-50, 54-55).
Like Jairus, your situation may go from bad to worse but “Fear Not” because the Master is with you. He will not forsake you or fail you. You went to God for healing and now your situation requires a resurrection. Fear Not, He is the God of all flesh: Is there anything too hard for HIm? (Jeremiah 32:27). It is in the impossible circumstances that His hand is most evident.
When faced with the humanly impossible task of transforming His enemies into a holy nation, God told us “Fear Not”.
…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art Mine (Isaiah 43:1).
The greatest comfort of this “Fear Not” is that we enjoy a relationship with the Father as His children in this life and the life to come. By placing our faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, we no longer have to stand at the bottom of the mountain like the Israelites (Exodus 19:19-21), but we can go up the holy mountain to the Lord’s house (Isaiah 2:2-3). We no longer have to fear His voice (Exodus 20:19) but we know the intimacy of hearing Him speak and directing our paths (John 10:27). We no longer have to fear the inadequacies of our works to please God, but our faith places the perfect righteousness of Christ upon us (Romans 3:20-26). “Fear Not” because when we were far from righteousness, He brought His righteousness near us (Isaiah 46:12-13).
“Fear Not”, He is our God, and we are His people.
Have you experienced a “Fear Not” situation? Share it in the comments section.
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Copyright 2023 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the King James Version®. Public domain
