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OVERCOMING FEAR
September, 2010

2 Timothy 1:7 “ GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER, LOVE AND A STRONG MIND.

Fear is a fascinating subject because it has two sides. There is a negative side that can paralyze us and terrorize our lives. But the positive side of fear can stimulate and motivate us to greatness. Fear can keep us from being all God wants us to be OR it can drive us to do the things we know God wants us to do in the life He has given us.

“FEAR NOT” is mentioned 189 times in the Bible so we must take a look at what God will/can do in our lives today. A healthy dose of FEAR keeps us safe, but UNHEALTHY FEAR is paralyzing.

UNHEALTHY FEAR:
Prevents us from experiencing and living the life God intended.
It can stop us from fulfilling the call that God has on our lives.
It can destroy relationships.
It can drain us emotionally and physically.
It blocks FAITH.

HEALTHY FEAR:
Leads us closer to God and His plan for our lives.
Releases us from blame and shame.
Motivates us toward God’s ways and away from our selfish ways.
Opens the door of FAITH in our lives.
Releases TRUST.

Psalm 91:5-10 names a few types of fear that you may be facing: fear of terrors of night, attacks in the day, disease, disasters, evil and stumbling/failing. WHO IS GOD WHEN THESE FEARS COME OUR WAY:

THE MOST HIGH – Great than the threats
THE ALMIGHTY- Power to confront anything/anyone
THE LORD – He is always with me.
MY GOD – He is intimate, there just for me.