Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 13, 2015
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father. Romans 8:15
Fear is a cruel master. Like a bad dream, fear imagines scary situations that never take place. The fears in my mind seem so real that I stress over—even obsess over them. Recently, I became fearful of a worse case scenario at work. I lost confidence and sleep. Finally, somewhat perturbed—I began to quietly reflect and remember how God is writing my story. In His script, His perfect love casts out my phobias. I am not a slave to fear—but to my Savior Jesus. The love of God is much larger than life’s momentary anxieties. His love converts fear into faith!
The Holy Spirit reminds us of our position: we are a child of God. The Lord adopted us as His daughters and sons. The Spirit gives us life to live for Christ. In His power we are able to produce positive and lasting results. The Spirit allows us to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 6:12-17) that facilitate fear. As we yield to the Spirit, He uses us for His purposes. Similar to a gifted teacher, the Holy Spirit instructs us in truth to combat the lies we lived before Christ. He leads us as adopted children. Fear has no place for a child cared for by King Jesus!
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14).
What do you fear? Confronting a co-worker? Confessing a hidden sin to your spouse? A new school? A new job? A new relationship? A new responsibility? A health issue or lack of finances? Whatever you fear, ask the Holy Spirit to lovingly convert your fears into faith. Trust—when you have done the right thing, it will be what’s right for everyone involved. Do not dread someone or something you have no control over—instead trust the Spirit to accomplish the appropriate outcome. Fear holds onto pseudo control. Faith hands over all control to Christ’s sovereignty.
You are a child of God and no longer a slave to fear. You have been released from the fetters of trepidation and freed to trust Jesus. Your ball and chain of dread has been removed by the grace of God. Once you cowered in a corner of shame, but now you have come clean and placed your confidence in Christ. Your heavenly Father’s perfect love has replaced your pesky fears. Fear acts like a malaria carrying mosquito, only to discover the blood of Christ in your spiritual veins. Fear wants you back in bondage, but God’s love sets you free. Cry Abba, Father and fear not!
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive Your perfect love to flush out fear from my imperfect heart.
Application: What fear do I need to trust God with and not obsess over?
Related Readings: Malachi 3:17; Galatians 5:18; Ephesians 3:12; 1 John 2:5, 4:18
Post/Tweet this today: Fear acts like a malaria carrying mosquito, only to discover the blood of Christ in your spiritual veins. #notslavestofear #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 6 minute video- Bethel: No Longer Slaves to Fear
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