Stephanie Pavlantos: Fear has a Voice, but We don’t have to Listen.
You may have heard there are 365 “Fear not!” in the Bible–one for every day of the year.
Fear is a stronghold. A stronghold is like an iceberg–the sea of our thoughts and emotions hide the majority of it. The ten percent we show to those around us is no indication of its depth and size.
Fear talks to us and for us, too! I hear the fear in people when they say things like, “I’m not doing that!”, “I can’t do it!”, or “I won’t go there!”
God does not want us to live our lives in fear. He wants us to be free!
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.
~2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Why does this verse mention a sound mind? Because fear causes us to imagine everything bad that can happen to us. It messes with our thoughts and can make us irrational.
God gave us the power over fear through the Holy Spirit and the saving power of His blood. Jesus’ blood releases us from the bondage strongholds keep us in.
I admit I have my share of strongholds. I am learning to be free by the truth of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, reminding me of the lies of the deceiver.
Satan desires to keep us captive. But we need to come out of our cell.
Satan desires to keep us captive. But we need to come out of our cell. #ThisSideofHeaven #Fear #Getoutofthatcell #VineWords @DPavlantos Click To Tweet[Jesus will] deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
~Hebrews 2:15 ESV
Did you know Fear has friends? Their names are Control and Untrust. All three usually go together. Fear loves to control everyone and everything around it.
Fear does not trust.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
~1 John 4:18 ESV
In order for us to truly love, we must not fear. Fear equals distrust. Love is trusting.
Trusting God for answers, for wisdom, for healing. for light in our darkness and confusion. When we trust God, we show how much we love Him.
Of course, I am not saying we have to trust everyone and if we don’t we have fear. That’s not what I mean.
In order for us to truly love, we must not fear. #ThisSideofHeaven #Fear #Love #VineWords @DPavlantos Click To Tweet
Fear says, “Don’t trust anyone.”
Fear says, “I can only depend upon myself.”
When we think we are the only ones we can depend on or the only ones who have the answers, we are not trusting God. Our Father puts people into our lives to teach us.
We must be teachable. God lets nothing go to waste. If He can’t use it for our good, then it won’t happen.
Trust God with your day to day life–with your fears–your desire to control–and untrust.
He wants to free you.
What does fear tell you?
Dear Heavenly Father, You tell us in Your Word that You did not give us the spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind. Free us from our fear as we grow to trust You more.
Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2021: Fear has a Voice, but We don’t have to Listen: Stephanie Pavlantos. All Rights Reserved
Meet our Contributor
STEPHANIE PAVLANTOS
Stephanie Pavlantos is an award-winning writer who is passionate about getting people into God’s Word. She has taught Bible studies for over fifteen years, speaking at ladies’ retreats, at her church, and over the internet.
Her book, Jewels of Hebrews (Mount Zion Ridge Press), won third place at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, and an Honorable Mention at the Florida Christian Writers Conference.
She is an ordained minister, holding credentials since 2019.
Stephanie is the president of the Hudson, Ohio chapter of Word Weavers.
She is a regular speaker at PJ Net TV http://pjnet.tv
Stephanie is a senior editor, social media director, Bible study, and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More She is a co-editor, co-compiler, and contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
Stephanie works for the Besorah Institute for Judeo-Christian Studies in the Student Services department, as well as teaching their online classes. She holds weekly Zoom Bible studies, covering topics such as the Jewish roots of Christianity; the Four Covenants; and other themes.
She is published in Refresh Bible Study Magazine, Charisma Magazine, Christian Broadcasting Network, and Faith Beyond Fear. Stephanie is a contributing author to Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).
Married for twenty-seven years, she and her husband Mike have three children: Matthew, Alexandria, and Michael. Stephanie has adopted animals of all kinds, including dogs, ducks, goats, and chickens.
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Stephanie, great post! Very interesting about what you said about the one who fears being controlling and untrusting. I know firsthand that being controlled and not trusted, because of abuse, produces fear (in the one on the receiving end). However, I never thought about my abuser being fearful, and that was what was producing his control and being unable to trust. It makes perfect sense. Thank God, He has delivered me from fear with the truth of love, power, and a sound mind. He is my Mighty God.
Great reminder, sister. Thanks for penning this important truth.
Thank you, Diane!
Great devotion, Stephanie! I loved this line especially: “We must be teachable. God lets nothing go to waste. If He can’t use it for our good, then it won’t happen.”
Thank you, Brandie! God can only work in us to change us when we are teachable.
Stephanie, great word on Fear. Yes I could find myself in this great devotion but thank you for the reminder to not believe the lies of the enemy. Amen, we are more than conquerors. Thanks again. May God continue to bless you.
Thank you, Charles! Fear can be so controlling, that is why satan uses it so much.
This statement is an eye opener: “Did you know Fear has friends?”. The domino effect of fear is horrible and so damaging if we let it play out. This is one of Satan’s greatest tools, and we always need to keep this in mind. Thanks, Stephanie.
Thank you, Irene! Yes, it is one of satan’s most effective tools.
Good reminder, Stephanie. I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point.
Thank you, Martin! Yes, I agree, fear can strike anyone at any time.