“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
How To Stand Up To The Bully Called Fear (1 Samuel 17)
“On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” 1 Samuel 17:11 NIV
1. Find out Who God says He is and what He has promised. (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
“I love you, Lord; you are my strength.The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3 NLT
“My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:9-11 NLT
2. Figure out who you should really fear. (1 Samuel 17:32)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” Psalm 111:10 NIV
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25 NIV
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV
“So, my friends, I have this to say to you: don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. I will show you who to fear: fear the one who starts by killing and then has the right to throw people into Gehenna. Yes, let me tell you, that’s the one to fear!” Luke 12:4-5 NTFE
3. Work out your faith and courage muscles (1 Samuel 17:37)
“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37 NIV
4. Call out your biggest fear first (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
“…When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.” 1 Samuel 17:51 NIV