Victory over Fear; Hope

Hook

Have you ever been afraid of your future?

Has there ever been something that you know if going to happen, and you’re dreaded for it to come?

Have you ever been anxious about something?

We all struggle with things daily.

Some of us carry heavier burdens than other, but God promises something that can overcome these fears.

This lesson series is called thee Victory series.

Over the course of the summer, we’re all going to be looking at different things that we struggle with and we’re going to examine scripture to discover that God has given us the Victory over these things already.

We all struggle with fear about different things.

Let’s look at a story about someone dealing with fear.

Turn to Habakkuk chapter 1.

For context, Habakkuk takes place under the reign of a wicked king.

Book

Habakkuk 1:2–4 CSB

2 How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? 3 Why do you force me to look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. 4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.

God responds...

Habakkuk 1:5 CSB

5 Look at the nations and observe— be utterly astounded! For I am doing something in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it.

How often have things not looked in your favor?

How often have you been unsure of the upcoming future?

How often have you had fear of what is going to happen next?

This entire book, you could read it in one sitting. We actually have a 4 episode podcast of a Bible study on this book.

Not enough have used it, so I haven’t made a second Bible study.

But this entire book is a conversation between Habakkuk and God.

Habakkuk was unsure of the future.

He was reaching out to God, not accusing Him, but asking, “God, I know you’re good, and I know you hate evil, so why is this happening?”

Skip to the end with me; Habakkuk chapter 3.

Habakkuk 3:16–19 CSB

16 I heard, and I trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Rottenness entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Now I must quietly wait for the day of distress to come against the people invading us. 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, 18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! For the choir director: on stringed instruments.

Look

Fear is something that stops people in their tracks.

Fear can change someone’s attitude and actions.

We all struggle with fear and none of us are alone in that.

If you, or someone you know & love has either had suicidal thoughts, attempted, or committed suicide, stand up.

You’re not alone in this. Everyone has struggled with fear.

Fear can look like many things.

Fear that things won’t get better.

Fear that what I’m experiencing is the worst.

Took

So how do we conquer fear? What is our Victory over fear?

Hope.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a famous German pastor, said this about hope.

“The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.”

Paul says this about hope in Romans 12. Romans chapter 12, I would recommend you all read it. This chapter is what your life should look like as a member of the church summarized.

Romans 12:12 CSB

12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Whatever you’re going through is temporary.

Don’t make permanent decisions because of temporary fear.

How do we gain hope when we feel hopeless?

Spend devotion time reading the Bible.

Do you want to learn how to study the Bible on your own? Ask me please.

Be persistent in prayer.

Do you want a guide on how to pray? Do you want a layout on how to spend an hour or more in prayer? Ask me.

But also, be real with someone.

Let people know if you’re struggling.

One of the best ways God may reach out to you is through other people.

You’re all in a Tribe group chat with peers and someone you can look to as a spiritual leader. Share your struggles.

Make a girls student group chat.

Make a guys student group chat.

This is what fellowship looks like.

Can I just say, you all should have my number. You can always text me or call me. You can talk to me about anything.

If I call and decline and you really need to talk, call me multiple times.

I’m here for you and I care about all of you.

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.