When Fear Overwhelms (2)

Intro

“Fear can keep you up all night, but faith makes one fine pillow.”—Philip Gulley

True or False: Fear is part of everyone’s journey? True

Natural response to threatening situations, and can be lifesaving.

What are the two sides of fear?

Positive/Negative

What would be an example of each?

The enemy tries to use intimidation and threats

Sometimes those messages come in unsuspecting/unforeseen ways —we fall apart and undone by gripping fear.

Messages: power of evil; our inadequacy/vulnerability; lies

about what he can do; plants doubts about what God can/will

What iFs

All the enemy’s words are —attempts to intimidate

How should we respond?

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Turn away from the enemy and look at Jesus.

Confidence—lies in God’s strength — not our own

Acts 27:24 NLT

24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’

God is always bigger than our storm.

we conquer our fears and the threats of the enemy by pressing in closer to Jesus and hearing what He says about our dilemma.

Romans 8:26 NLT

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Philippians 4:13 NLT

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

READ pg 107

Give background story for Kay Burnett

**Example of Moses standing before Pharoah giving his demand

God assures and encourages us that He is big enough

Deciding Factor: whether we love God more than we love safe shores and familiar places

Prayer: Never choose safe over obedient NEVER choose

comfortable over challenging

Has God ever given you an assignment that felt too big for you? What fears did you experience?

How is being grounded in God’s Word necessary to overcome doubts and fears?

What is your default response when fear arises? How would you like God to help you respond?