Fear Doesn't Come from God

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

 "Fear Doesn't Come from God"

Fear is a universal human emotion that can be overwhelming and debilitating. It can creep into our lives and steal our peace, joy, and confidence. But as Christians, we need to remember that fear doesn't come from God.

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read:

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

This verse reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. We can face challenges and difficulties with confidence and courage, knowing that God is with us.

The Giants of Fear

In Numbers 13:33, we read:

"We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

This verse reminds us of the story of the Israelites who were afraid to enter the Promised Land because of the giants they saw there. They allowed their fear to hold them back from experiencing God's promise.

Fear vs. Faith

Fear and faith are opposing forces. When we choose to fear, we are essentially saying that we don't trust God. But when we choose to have faith, we are saying that we trust God completely.

Overcoming Fear with Faith

So how can we overcome fear with faith? Here are a few practical tips:

Focus on God's promises: Instead of focusing on our fears, let's focus on God's promises. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Practice prayer and worship: Prayer and worship are powerful tools for overcoming fear. When we pray and worship, we are reminded of God's presence and power in our lives.
Surround yourself with positive influences: The people we surround ourselves with and the media we consume can either fuel our fears or build our faith. Let's surround ourselves with positive influences that encourage us to trust God.

Conclusion

Fear doesn't come from God. He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Let's choose to focus on God's promises, practice prayer and worship, and surround ourselves with positive influences. When we do, we'll find that our fears will begin to fade away, replaced by a confident faith in God.

Reflection Questions

What are some fears that are holding you back from experiencing God's promise?
How can you focus on God's promises instead of your fears?
What are some positive influences that you can surround yourself with to build your faith?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to overcome our fears with faith. Remind us of Your promises and give us the power to trust You completely. In Jesus' name, Amen