The Journey to Victory

The desire to connect is a universal human desire and a critical component in every human endeavor is trust. Our trust in God and the belief that the people that are closest to us have our best interest in mind, are the foundations to spiritual, emotional and relational maturity. Believe it or not, the greatest challenge of the contemporary world is the spirit of fear that pervades almost every human soul. Plague by fear most people never take the step of faith to fulfill their purpose and dreams. Proverbs 29:25 states, “The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe” What is keeping most people from fulfilling their callings? Fear is that spiritual impediment that is crippling and keeping many from walking in their divine calling—the only place where victory is certain!

Fear and the Green Lantern

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch the movie, The Green Lantern. The plot of the movie tells the universal truth about the power of fear. According to The Internet Movie Database, the film tells the account of “A test pilot [who] is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.” However, the ring cannot work to its fullest unless Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) the ring bearer can harness the courage to overcome the spirit of fear that has haunted him from his childhood. Although the movie has a clear message on the power of fear to render ineffective human will. The Green Lantern rightly informs us that we cannot fight fear with fear, and that we can only overcome fear and evil with their opposite, which is faith. Though not articulated in the movie, as I watch the story line unfold, I was reminded of the power of faith “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

A Measure of faith

Every believer has the potential to fulfill his or her purpose. “For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” According to Romans God gives varying measures of faith to his people. Paul says that we ought to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Friends you already have what it takes to walk in victory. “This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.” I John 5:4

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!

Are you experiencing the joy of Lord? Or have you been living in a state of fear? Christians are increasingly being crushed by the weight of life’s greatest challenges. No matter who you are—pastor, Christian leader, teacher, businessperson, or homemaker—you are personally called to be an ambassador for Christ. No matter what you are going through do not allow fear to get a hold of heart. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). May I encourage you to embrace God’s grace for the journey—His grace is sufficient for you.

Fear has no place in your life and it is possible to allow the Holy Spirit to give joy in the midst of your trial. It may be that you have a fear of the future; not knowing what tomorrow holds but you know the One who holds your tomorrow. God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you—He is right there with you and your fear is nothing but unsubstantiated fear. You can conquer fear by placing your faith totally on God, circumstances come and go but God is immutable. So be of good cheer my friend, it is going to be all right because God is on your side. God is for you, He is not against you and He loves you so much that no circumstance can alter His eternal love (Romans 8:37-39).

Here is the biblical principle to conquering fear. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). It is possible to allow the Holy Spirit to cheer us up when we are down. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” I urge you to ask the Spirit of Joy to fill your heart with joy today. Here is a biblical example of how to do that! The apostle Paul, in the midst of a fearful experience, calls for the people to, “Keep up your courage.” (See Acts 27:9-44 for more details). God bless you as you are being renewed with the joy of the Lord—unspeakable joy and full of glory!