Refuse To Stay Stuck In Fear
Refuse To Stay Stuck In Fear | December 20, 2023
Fear can either be productive or destructive in your life. For example, you lock your car and home for safety purposes. You protect your banking and other critical digital accounts with passwords for security—fear of protecting what you have leads you to take these prudent steps. However, crippling fear like never coming out of your home or driving your car is a different story.
Healthy fear will produce beneficial methods, but unhealthy fear will leave you paralyzed. Thus, God's heart is that we wouldn't stay stuck in unhealthy fear, and Christmas reminds us of that fact. In Luke's Christmas narrative, God said, "Do not be afraid" three times. We find that command given to Zechariah (1:13), Mary (1:30), and the shepherds (2:10). Jesus also used that same command to calm the hearts of His followers. God, in his foreknowledge, knew that the miracles encompassing the birth of His Son would cause some internal trembling.
Luke 1:30-33 explains Mary's call from fear to faith surrounding her pregnancy with Jesus when it says: "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.'"
Notice that Gabriel doesn't admonish Mary for being afraid. Instead, he encourages her with the truth about God's grace. So again, it's normal to be initially fearful of something, but the idea is not to stay stuck in that fear.
Are you allowing fear to entrap you? Do you have paralysis of analysis? Even if you are struggling now, realize that God's will is not for you to stay stuck in fear. Instead, like Mary, listen to God and step forward in faith. He's got a message that will move you as well!
Healthy fear will produce beneficial methods, but unhealthy fear will leave you paralyzed. Thus, God's heart is that we wouldn't stay stuck in unhealthy fear, and Christmas reminds us of that fact. In Luke's Christmas narrative, God said, "Do not be afraid" three times. We find that command given to Zechariah (1:13), Mary (1:30), and the shepherds (2:10). Jesus also used that same command to calm the hearts of His followers. God, in his foreknowledge, knew that the miracles encompassing the birth of His Son would cause some internal trembling.
Luke 1:30-33 explains Mary's call from fear to faith surrounding her pregnancy with Jesus when it says: "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.'"
Notice that Gabriel doesn't admonish Mary for being afraid. Instead, he encourages her with the truth about God's grace. So again, it's normal to be initially fearful of something, but the idea is not to stay stuck in that fear.
Are you allowing fear to entrap you? Do you have paralysis of analysis? Even if you are struggling now, realize that God's will is not for you to stay stuck in fear. Instead, like Mary, listen to God and step forward in faith. He's got a message that will move you as well!
Recent
Archive
2025
June
God's Forgiveness And Our Failures Faithfulness And Flag DayFollowingPraying About Panic And PainEncouragement Is Necessary Oh, Be Careful Little EyesGod's Promise To Those Who Wait | June 19, 2022 Protect Your TorchTrust God To ProvideGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Kindness CountsAre You Weakening Your Conscience?Maintain A Healthy Conscience Show Mercy Even When People Are MeanRelease Control Of Your Circumstances
July
August
September
October
God's Miraculous PowerYom Kippur, The Jewish Day of AtonementWaiting On God For DirectionTrust God, Not Your GutWinning The Battle Of WorryPrayer Of MosesBlessing of ForgivenessHelp From HeavenHandling Family Drama God Is A Dependable Source of Strength Getting In God's PresenceWe See A Battle, The Lord Sees Our Victory | October 20, 2025Discouragement Is Curable Seeking God's Blessing | October 22, 2025Waiting Can Wear You Out God's Timing Is TrustworthyLive By God's Power Give God First Place In Your ScheduleMonday Morning Beliefs God's Promises Help With PanicThink Before You TalkThinking Like A Servant Pursue Good, Not Evil
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
No Comments