"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me" (Job 3:25).
A quick reading of the first 33 verses of the Book of Job reveals the terrible things that happened to Job. Sabeans stole his oxen and asses (1:14-15); lightning destroyed his sheep, as well as his servants (1:16); Chaldeans took his camels (1:17); a tornado blew down the house, killing his sons and daughters (1:18); festering boils broke out all over his body (2:7); and if that wasn't enough, in frustration, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die (2:9).
The final blow came when his friends gathered around, not to comfort him, but you guessed it, to accuse him (2:11).
THE DOORWAY OF FEAR
It is evident that the primary cause of Job's misery was the devil. However, note that Job opened the door of opportunity for Satan to enter. Scripture tells us that every evil which befell Job came to him through fear.
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
(Job 3:25)
When you fully understand the following verse, you will see that Job had no reason to fear that God would take away the things He had given him.
…the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
(Rom. 11:29)
It is important to notice that of all the wonderful things God gave to Job, fear was definitely not one of them. The Scripture states clearly that fear does not come from God.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Tim. 1:7)
FEAR IS A NEGATIVE MAGNET
As Jesus went to heal the young ruler's daughter, messengers came from the ruler's house bringing bad news.
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
(Luke 8:49)
Notice how quickly our Lord warned the young ruler not to allow fear to overtake him.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: Believe only, and she shall be made whole.
(Luke 8:50)
Jesus understood that if the young ruler began to fear, he would give Satan the opportunity to steal one of his most valuable possessions - his little daughter. Fear actually draws disaster to you. Anytime you allow fear into your life, the windows of heaven close, and the gates of hell swing wide open.
FEAR KILLS
The following scripture drew my attention to the killing power of fear.
Men's hearts failing them for fear….
(Luke 21:26)
Yes, there are fears that can destroy a person's will to live, or his ability to take action against the plan of the devil.
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR
Here's the good news! You don't have to fear Satan. When you stand on God's Word, the devil doesn't have a chance against you. God says He will take up residence in you and make you greater than the evil one.
…greater is he [God] that is in you, than he [the devil] that is in the world.
(1 John 4:4)
Keep in mind that Jesus is not in you just on Sunday morning during the church service; He is permanently with you.
…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(Heb. 13:5)
I hope this brief study will open your eyes to the truth of God's Word concerning fear and a Christian's response to it. Under no circumstances must you allow fear of any kind to torment your mind. You must cast it out.
If any fear tries to overtake you, immediately cast it down in the name of Jesus. Then keep fear from returning by quoting the promises you find in the Word of God. Above all else, you must remember, fear never comes from God.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Tim. 1:7)
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