Topic: Why the Forgiven Don’t Have to Fear [RICK WARREN Devotional 13 April   2022]

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Why the Forgiven Don’t Have to Fear

“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!”

1 Peter 1:3-4 (The Message)Fear is nothing new. It’s been with us from the very beginning!

In the Garden of Eden, Adam hid from God and said, “I was afraid.” Humans have been living in fear of God and each other ever since.

Fear is based on ignorance. That means truth is the only cure—and truth can only be found in God’s Word.

Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter gives you five truths for overcoming fear in your life. Yesterday, I shared the first two:

• You know Jesus tells you the truth.
• You know death isn’t the end.

Third, you know God loves you extravagantly. God didn’t just send you a postcard with a note saying how much he loves you. He cared enough to send the very best—himself! When Jesus was dying on the cross with his arms outstretched, he was saying: “I love you this much.”

Fear and love cannot exist in the same place. The Bible tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV). When you invite Christ into the front door of your heart, fear goes out the back door.

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Fourth, you know God has a good plan for your life. When you open yourself up to God’s love, he takes care of your past, present, and future. Because of the resurrection, your sins are forgiven, you get a purpose for living, and you get a home in heaven.

The Bible describes it like this: “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” (1 Peter 1:3-4 The Message) You won’t get that kind of life anywhere else. You only get it through the power of Jesus’ resurrection.

Finally, you know God will take care of your needs. One of the reasons you struggle with fear is that you worry about tomorrow—and worry can’t change anything! It won’t add a single moment to your life, and it won’t solve a single problem.

But the resurrection guarantees that God will meet all of your needs—starting with your salvation—by providing you with the power of his resurrection. Paul writes, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT).

 This year, as you celebrate Easter, remind yourself that because Jesus was raised from the dead, you are no longer a prisoner to fear. That’s news so good that you will want to share it!

• Is it sometimes difficult to believe that God has a good plan for your life? Why do you think this is so?
• Why is fear often based on ignorance?
• What need in your life should you ask God to meet with his resurrection power?

Are you tired of being a prisoner of fear?

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, the door is wide open for you.

You can pray this simple prayer right now: “Dear God, I’m tired of pretending and people pleasing. I’m tired of the stress of trying to be perfect when I can’t be. I’m tired of holding on to hurt and memories that continue to cause pain in my life. I’m tired of being afraid of rejection and afraid of being fully known. I want to let it all go.

“Lord, I surrender everything that has brought me shame, regret, resentment, and worry. I don’t want to live that way anymore! I want to live a life of freedom, and I know that can only be found through your Son, Jesus Christ.

“Today, I confess my sin to you and ask you to forgive me. Thank you, Jesus, that you made a way for me to be forgiven and accepted because of what you did on the cross and your resurrection. I submit to you as Lord of my life and want to follow you for the rest of my life. Please fill me with your love and hope and help me to walk in faith, not fear. I ask this in your name. Amen.”

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