When people take time out to go on a Spiritual Retreat, they do so to fellowship, to pray, to recharge, and to relax. Yes, it is a time away from every day life. But it is also a time to get closer to God. The goal is to come home a bit more “complete” than we were when we left it.

The theme of the Retreat that I just attended was “Fear Not Daughter of Zion”. It was a great time full of inspiring and illuminating sermons, Spirit filled revival, and worship, and ground shaking prayer sessions. I found it amazing that all three of the sermons, that were given by three different speakers had one central message. It wasn’t the usual don’t fear the attacks that the enemy is or is looking to wage on you, though that is a valid issue, the message was to not be afraid of one of the biggest obstacles that we face every single day…

Ourselves!

We, brethren, are often our biggest obstacles when it comes to claiming the promises that God has made to us.

We, brethren, are often the biggest obstacles when it comes to using the gifts and talents that the Lord has already endowed us with.

We, brethren, are often the biggest obstacles when it comes to making progress in our spiritual walk.

We are the problems. Our fear is the problem. Placing the blame on everyone and everything but ourselves is the problem.

Fear does not take us by force; it is we who give in to fear.

When hardships come; when problems come; when insecurities rise; when unexpected situations present themselves; what do we do?

We break down.
We shrink back.
We turn back.
We cower.
We blame others.
We blame the devil and evil spirits.

But who gives in to the fear?
Who succumbs to the pressure?
Who resigns themselves to depression, anger, envy, resentment and despair?

We do!

It is we who choose to fear!

God is saying to us “ Do Not Fear”.

That simply means that we have absolutely no need whatsoever to give in to fear at all.

There are at least 63 instances in the bible where God, Jesus, an angel, or someone being used by the Spirit of God spoke the words “Fear Not” to someone or some people in order to reassure them. Likewise, there are at least 48 instances in the bible when the words “Do Not Be Afraid” were also used by God, Jesus, the angels or people being used by the Spirit of God to assure us.

With all these assurances, in addition to the all of the others that are there to to reassure and encourage us, why do we still react to situations that come upon us with fear; with resignation, with anger; with malice, with envy, with frustration, etc.

The Lord Himself has assured us that He is bigger than any situation that may come upon us, and He is all that we need. But the only way that we can move the power of God that is already in us is to move ourselves.

Move- in prayer.
Move- in faith.
Move-in trust.
Move-in word.
Move- in deed.
Move in service.

Don’t cower.
Don’t shrink back.
Don’t run away.
Don’t blame others…

Stand.

Then move!

Proverbs 18:8 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

One of the speakers at the Retreat said “It’s a trust thing”.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

The Other speaker said “It’s like the automatic doors at the stores. They only open up if you step forward. As long as you stay back, they remain closed”.

Let us decide to not allow fear keep us back any longer. In every aspect of our lives.

We believe in the God who has assured us that as long as we believe in Him, He will never leave us nor forsake us. So when life comes, let us trust Him. Then, let us step forward, in the strength of the One who is with us. Then watch those doors swing wide open.

Share your thoughts that you might encourage your brethren.

In Christ,
The handmaid at His feet