Title: Do not be afraid in your heart!
Do not be afraid in your heart!
Text/ Matthew 10:29-31
1. Introduction
Everyone lives with fear. There is no one without fear. What do people eat? what to wear what to drink The most basic fear of survival. How will other people rate me? Will others accept me? Will other people recognize me? fear of human relationships. Will this business be good for people who are new to restaurants, hospitals, companies, shops, etc.? What if I fail? fear to do. Will I be able to do this job well? fear of self-anxiety. And there is the ultimate fear of death that I don't know when, where, how, or how I will die.
Not only that, but during the day, people are involved in countless things big and small, and they live with fear from time to time. Tests, interviews, money, cars, family, friends, lover, seniors, juniors, etc. We sense, feel, and live anxiously with problems derived from the <relationship> between all events and humans. In this sense, fear is an ontological feeling that is inherently innate to all human beings.
2. How does fear affect people?
Fear scares people. Even if you can do enough, once you get scared, you will never be able to do it. Fear cloud judgment. Makes the rope mistaken for a snake. Fear causes severe stress and makes people sick. Fear makes confession of sin impossible. Fear causes a person to keep hiding in the dark and even darker. Fear finally confines a person to death.
The first generation of the Israelites in the Exodus were afraid of the giants living in Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey in Kadesh-Barnea, and after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, they died in the wilderness (Numbers 13-14). However, the second generation of Exodus who grew up in the wilderness for 40 years did not fear the giants of Canaan, so they were able to finally conquer the land of Canaan (Joshua 1).
When looking at the giants in the land of Canaan, the result of looking with fear and the result of looking with a bold mind are different from this. The ten spies who criticized the land for fear were killed by a disaster, and the courageous Joshua and Caleb survived (Numbers 14:37-38). Fear makes a person wither and wither to death.
3. So, how can we overcome fear?
first. It is a sure belief in God. Above all else, <belief in God> is the most important thing. Do not depend on princes, nor on men who have no help; for when their breath is cut off, they return to dust, and their plans perish in the same day. It is just as He said (Psalm 145:3-6).
Then what kind of God is that God? That God is the One who values a sparrow and a lily. Therefore, not a single sparrow will fall unless it is God's will. But you are men whose hairs have been counted. You are of more value than not one sparrow, but many sparrows.
What does it mean? Even a sparrow is a board that does not fall apart unless it is God's will. Isn't he saying that one hair on your head is more valuable than not one sparrow but many sparrows? Oh, what a restrained and superlative parable! Human beings are so precious and precious. This God is our Father, so what in this world should we be afraid of? That's the word.
second. When you face your fears boldly, they lower their tails and run away. It is not said to flee from the devil, but resist the devil, and the devil will flee from you (James 4:7). Fear grows the more you avoid it. If you feel intimidated, do it first. Don't procrastinate. There are so many instances when it doesn't really matter. Are you hesitant to speak? Speak. Are you afraid to ask out on a date? Apply. However, one thing to note here is that “to face fear” does not mean “to face it rudely”.
third. The best way to be fear-free is thorough practice and preparation. in front of people
Even pastors and lecturers who have many opportunities to stand are sometimes afraid to stand in front of people. Not too many people or too few. With thorough practice and preparation, you will never be intimidated in front of thousands of audiences. If you are poorly prepared and practiced, you are afraid even in front of an audience of ten. If you are thorough in your work and become a true professional, you are not afraid of any situation. Are you afraid? Practice and prepare thoroughly.
4. Closing story
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; whom shall I fear (Psalm 27:1). I will not fear, because I trust in God. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4). Amen!.
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