POWER OVER FEAR

Casting Out Fear Through Trust in God

In the midst of our good days, prosperity, and moments of peace that seem to paint a perfect picture of life, we cannot ignore the vivid imperfections that tinge our world. Moments of robust health are abruptly interrupted by the scourge of various diseases and the specter of death looming in various forms. Times of prosperity and material wealth coexist uneasily with the stark realities of starvation and poverty. Moments of peace often prove fleeting in a world where nations are plagued by instability, citizens protest for their rights, and individuals wage silent battles that their loved ones may never fully comprehend. These fears, and the ever-encroaching fear of an uncertain future, often leave us paralyzed, questioning whether true and lasting peace is really attainable.

Can you envision a different world? At least from the biblical perspective, harkening back to Genesis when God, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, created humanity in His own image, the world was pristine. Genesis 1:31, in my whimsical imagination, echoes with God's proud and loving proclamation as He looks upon His creation, declaring, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Indeed, it seems to me that God must have been beaming ear to ear with satisfaction. He meticulously crafted everything to be perfect for His glory, a testimony to His divine artistry. In His boundless love, He entrusted us with stewardship over the entire world and all the wondrous creations therein, as Psalm 8:5-6 beautifully conveys: "For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet."

Yet, the reality we find ourselves in is far from that divine vision. Evil, suffering, and death pervade our world as a consequence of the original sin inherited from Adam and Eve. We find ourselves living in perpetual fear of forces we can scarcely control. Is there any power that can surmount these manifold fears? Can we genuinely experience the peace that has eluded us for so long?

Dear brother and sister, to experience peace both from within and around us, we require a source of strength beyond our physical capabilities. We need God by our side 24/7, in every facet of our lives. God, fully aware of our need, has, through His unconditional love, offered us His Beloved Son, Jesus, as the redeemer of the human race. Jesus is not your run-of-the-mill superhero akin to Batman, Superman, or Spiderman. No, He is far more.

Did you know that even the forces you fear recognize Jesus? Regardless of how many times the world may deny God's power, Jesus is acknowledged in both the physical and spiritual realms. Allow me to share with you the remarkable account of a man possessed by demons in Mark 5:6-8. This man, much like many others within our society, had been cast into isolation, far removed from human contact. When malevolence takes hold of a person, it frequently results in both physical and emotional isolation, loneliness, and often illness.

But God reaches out to us just as Jesus did for this tormented man. He ventured across the lake to the region of Gerasenes, where this man plagued by demons languished in the tombs. Can you fathom the lengths to which God will go to seek us out, even in our darkest moments of isolation, caused by one affliction or another? If this isn't love in its purest form, then what is? The moment the demon-possessed man beheld Jesus from afar, he ran to Him and fell to his knees. With a voice that resonated, he cried out, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God's name, don't torture me!" Jesus, out of love, commanded the impure spirit to leave the man.

Through His Sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus conquered evil and liberates us from the power of sin and satan. Ephesians 1:20-22a highlights His supreme authority, granted by God and shared with those who trust in Him. As the body of Christ, we receive God’s Holy Spirit and authority over fear.

The question remains: where will you place your trust? Will you surrender your fears to God and embark on a journey towards peace? Will you make Jesus your Lord and Savior today?

You may want to pray:

All-Powerful God, I need you. I confess that I have rejected your rule and sought life apart from you. Thank you for sending Jesus to free me from sin and Satan’s power through his death and resurrection. I give my allegiance to Jesus as my only source of life and power. I desire to be filled with your Holy Spirit and to follow you with my whole being. Make me the person you want me to be to serve your good purposes on the earth. Amen

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, I invite you to pray it now and Jesus Christ will come into your life as He promised.