One of the tactics Satan uses regularly to oppress believers is fear! Many times in scripture Jesus admonishes us, “Fear Not”, and “Do Not Fear”. Satan’s intent for mankind is evil and destructive! Frequently he is referred to in scripture as the thief.  In John 10:10, Jesus is speaking, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)  The Word of God is clear in telling us Satan’s intent. All that is needed to see this clearly is do a word study of the Bible on Satan. If we allow him to plant or instill fear in our lives, it can paralyze us and keep us from living out the destiny God intends for our lives. Our part is to take a step of faith. When we do, God honors our faith, and He meets us and guides our steps as we move forward in His leading. It will not happen if we allow fear to keep us from taking a step in faith. You may recognize some of the ways fear can be planted and begin to take root and grow. Did I really hear from God?  Was that God or just me?  What if I fail?  What will people think?  What if it does not turn out the way I expect, or want it to?

In 1997 I was facing a difficult decision. Along with an excellent staff, I had worked building an insurance business for thirty years. I was the junior partner and expected to one day own the business. Through a series of events, the senior partner sold his interest to an outside party. I found myself in a situation where I felt I could no longer remain employed with the firm. I was fifty-five years of age and had a non-compete agreement. I could not start my own agency in that county. I began looking for other employment in the area, but had no success. An opportunity became available to move to Bend, Oregon and open an insurance office with a major national company. I would be starting from scratch, with only a few clients being seeded to me. It would mean moving four hours away from a large part of our family. I experienced all the emotions and asked all the mentioned questions, plus some! My wife and I were praying for guidance and direction., trying to decide what to do. During my lunch hour one day as I was praying, The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the story in Numbers 13 and 14 of the spies being sent into Canaan. I was struck with the thought that if God was opening this door, I did not want to be like the spies who were fearful. I wanted to be like Joshua and Caleb who entered the Promised Land and benefited from God’s blessing. I shared my thoughts with Patty and she felt assured, as did I, that we had heard a Word from God. We made the move and it is now twenty one years of seeing God’s provision for us. Not always easy nor quite what we expected, but we have been assured many times over that we heard from God and that has given us strength and courage to keep moving forward.

We must be willing to do our part. If we are fearful and reluctant to trust God in faith, Satan will have kept us from living in God’s purpose and provision for our lives. Joshua 3:7-17 paints a vivid picture of the point I make. The Jordan river was at flood stage. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant as well as all the people were instructed to step into the water and stand in the Jordan. Then the waters would be parted! Verse seventeen tells us all Israel crossed over on dry ground!

Fear will keep us from our destiny! Fear will allow Satan to steal God’s blessing and provision from us! Fear is defeated if we believe the truth of God’s word and stand in faith believing what God has declared.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Additional Scriptures you may wish to read: Romans 8:15 & 16:  Psalms 56:3:  Psalms 34:4:  Isaiah 41:10