Seize the Moment – Day 955
A Godly Response to Fear!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, October 28.
When you are afraid, what do you do? When you are anxious, to what do you turn?
I have a dear friend that walked through the valley of the shadow; it threatened to ensnare him in fear and anxiety. He was tempted to take matters into his own hands instead of trusting the Sovereign God. He was enticed to comfort himself instead of trusting the Good Shepherd. Instead of giving himself to either of those “fight or flight” responses, he embraced God’s way of victory during that dark season – he prayed and fasted. Years later, I am still in awe of his faith!
A great multitude of enemy nations arose against Judah in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat responded in verses 3-4, “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord.” Though he was not a perfect king, he sought God with his whole heart. He embodied what he commanded Judah to do in verse 20, “put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established.” Yes, he felt fear, but he wasn’t paralyzed by his emotions – he responded to fear with faith! That takes courage!
What were the results of his prayer and fasting? We find out in verse 30, “So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides.” Don’t rely upon yourself or lesser things to bring peace to your mind and heart, or rest for your soul, only God can win these victories – “Do not fear or be dismayed; … the Lord is with you” (17). That is the promise of Immanuel!
Seize the moment and act with courageous faith in the face of fear – pray and fast (Matthew 17:20-21)!
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
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