“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Many today are in precarious situations for yielding to, and voicing their fears. Consider the important lesson from Job’s experience in the Old Testament. Job was a righteous man, a faithful servant of the Lord, but through fear, he gave Satan
the opportunity to wreak havoc in his life.

Satan had tried unsuccessfully to attack Job, because Job was divinely protected; there was a spiritual hedge around him (Job 1:8-10). However, the words of Job himself in Job 3:25 reveal how Satan was eventually able to penetrate the hedge to attack him. Job said, “The worst of my fears has come true, what I’ve dreaded most has happened” (MSG).

Despite God’s protection over his life, which even Satan attested to, Job voiced his fears. In the twenty- sixth verse, he said, “I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” But he was in safety until he broke the hedge. He spoke contrary to the Word of God; God could not legally protect him beyond his confessions; and that’s just
like many today, who talk fear or give voice to words inspired by fear.

Never yield to fear because of an evil report. An evil report is any report that’s not consistent with the provisions of the Gospel; anything that negates your rights, privileges, ability, and heritage in Christ Jesus. For example, it doesn’t matter what the prognosis or diagnosis is concerning your health, refuse to fear. Keep declaring that you’re in health.

Be like Caleb and Joshua, of the twelve leaders Moses sent to spy out Canaan, who boldly voiced their faith. The Bible says the others came back with an evil report of fear concerning the giants, but Caleb and Joshua declared, “…they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with
us: fear them not” (Numbers 14:9).

That’s the voice of faith, and your faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).

PRAYER:
Precious Father, your Word is my life and my rock, the solid ground on which I stand. I’m not moved by what I feel, see or hear; I’m only moved by your Word. Thus, I’m like a tree by the stream, prosperous and ever fruitful, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: Hebrews 11:1; Joshua 1:8; Hebrews 13:5-6