Topic: Overcome Fear by Standing Up for God [RICK WARREN Devotional 6 November 2024]
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Overcome Fear by Standing Up for God
by Rick Warren — November 6, 2024
“Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness.”
Acts 4:29 (GNT)
We all have fears. Too often, though, we let those fears rule our lives and stop us from following God’s plan. When you face people and situations that threaten to destroy you and your witness for Christ, the choice is yours: Will you succumb to your fears, or will you stand up for God in spite of those fears?
Fear grows. Every time you give in to it, it becomes more intense. And as fear grows, your life shrinks.
So what’s the alternative? Every time you follow God instead of giving into fear, you win a victory over fear.
The early Christians are a good example of how this works. They faced all kinds of persecution, and the book of Acts shows how God worked through the lives of these believers as they stood up to their fears.
Acts 4 tells the story of Peter and John coming up against fierce opposition when they boldly proclaimed Jesus. So they prayed, “Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness” (Acts 4:29 GNT).
And so the answer to your fear isn’t to give in to it. It’s to move forward boldly in spite of your fear. When you’re afraid, stand up to the fear. Fear doesn’t respond to logic, so your only chance to get rid of the fear is to trust God and face it.
Never, ever forget this: God won’t part the Jordan River in front of you until you take your first step. (See how God did this for Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:8.). You take a step of faith, and then God shows you the path. But that won’t happen if you stand stuck in your fear.
Take a step in faith today and watch your fear disappear as God opens the path before you.
Talk It Over
- How have you seen fear grow in your life because you gave in to it? How have you seen fear diminish in your life because you stepped out boldly for God?
- What fears are you finding difficult to overcome right now? Why?
- What does it look like practically to give your fears to God?
Are you tired of being imprisoned by fear?
You can pray this simple prayer right now: “Dear God, I’m tired of pretending and people-pleasing and 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 letting people see who I really am. I want to let it all go.
“Lord, I bring you 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. Drive out my fear. I ask this in your name. Amen.”
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