Overcoming Our Fears!

​Overcoming Our Fears!
As the virus marches on, amid fires, catastrophic storms and world unrest, we continue to see people struggling all around us. I recommend revisiting Isaiah 41:10 as a source of encouragement and hope amid all this ongoing fear and anxiety. Whenever we or others need a go-to verse in turbulent times, this is a great one to turn to. The prophet Isaiah reveals our only trustworthy source for hope and peace. In this verse, the Lord promises strength, help, and protection. He also makes two commands: “Do not fear” and “Do not anxiously look about you.” Among the enemy's subtle and successful tactics, is the art of distraction. Satan knows that continued fear can choke even a seasoned believer’s faith. He works hard to make fear and uncertainty our focus. Once our attention has been diverted from God, our natural tendencies tend to take over. In the absence of prayer and worship, doubt, fear and anxiety grow.
It can be challenging to stay focused on the Lord after many months of trying circumstances. The flesh prefers to seek security by thinking through all possible angles. Our tendency is to weigh what we think could happen against what “the experts” say will happen and then evaluate possible ways of preventing our worst fears from coming true. Instead of becoming more confident, more fear is injected into our minds and we begin to feel even more powerless.  Thankfully, we serve a mighty God who says, “Surely I will uphold you” we can count on Him! By choosing to only focus on what could or might happen, we are actually choosing to fill our minds with anxiety and doubt. Friends, those emotions do not belong in a believer’s life! Instead, make a conscious decision to trust the promises God has made to us. The Lord has provided promises like the one found in this passage today throughout scripture to keep us unmovable and steady in our faith. Only faith in our loving God will overcome our fears!
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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