God says, “Fear Not!”
After 10 years of marriage and moving six times, my son-in-law was blessed with the “miracle job.” The two prayer groups I lead have been praying for years that God would bring this family back to be close to their extended family. I told my daughter that I was praying very specifically about the job, the company and the account. Her response was, “That would take a miracle.” It takes bold faith to pray so specifically, for we should always desire God’s plan, God’s timing and seek God’s glory. With that in mind, God says to ask, so, trusting God, I did, and the prayer was answered specifically, just as I had asked.
I am always amazed how God’s Word is living and personal. I was reading 2 Corinthians 4:15 which applied perfectly as we saw the work of God’s hand. “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” I could have prayed alone, but the prayer warriors who joined me saw the power of prayer as God delivered this blessing. That scripture came alive as I saw how God used this to touch many lives. We had agreed in prayer, “God, do what only You can do,” and He worked a miracle. God had done what seemed impossible and as He did, our faith in Him grew even stronger. Together we rejoiced and gave glory to God!
With each move, together we prayed for a church, Christian friends and a home. God provided perfectly each and every time. This young family trusted God as He led them to rental properties that were many and varied. Some very small, some very old, but with each move they made each house a home. Now, with this move they had their first opportunity to buy a home. And the search began. They were blessed with a realtor who was seasoned, skilled and a Christian. Several days they searched, looking at 35 houses. They were discouraged. Then, at last, as they drove through a neighborhood, they saw a for sale sign and decided to give it a look. As they entered the house, their hopes grew and when they finished the tour, they knew that this was the one they had been looking for. They were so happy and excited. Then, suddenly, fears began to creep up. Now they had children. What were the schools like? Was the house structurally sound? Were there other offers? Soon, fear began to overtake them. Was this the house God would have them buy?
Recently I heard a simple statement that, to me, was profound. “Focusing on fear will not change the outcome.” Fear can paralyze us to the extent that we cannot move forward. That is a scheme of Satan. We read in 1 John 4:18a, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…” After cautious negotiations and prayer, trusting God for the outcome, this young couple now own their first home. This journey has caused their faith and trust in God to grow greatly. It has equipped them with a testimony of prayer and faith that they are sure to share.
There are all sorts of life challenges that can fill us with fear. As we shift our focus from fear to faith, trusting God for the outcome we are filled with hope and peace. We read in Isaiah 41:13 (ESV) For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Focusing on fear will not change the outcome but focusing on God and prayer will bring an outcome that will cast out fear and fill us with peace.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Praise God for answered prayer!