How can we avoid making decisions based on fear, like Jeroboam in 1 Kings? The Choice That Triggered a Nation’s Downfall 1 Kings 12:26: “Jeroboam said in his heart, ‘Now the kingdom will return to the house of David.’” Jeroboam feared that if his people kept worshiping in Jerusalem, their loyalty would shift back to Rehoboam. Panic birthed compromise: two golden calves, rival festivals, and a substitute priesthood. Fear-made decisions always ripple outward; Israel’s idolatry began here. Tracing Fear’s Footprints • Internal dialogue: “Jeroboam said in his heart …” We rarely broadcast our fears, but they steer us inside. • Imagined loss: He pictured the kingdom slipping away, though God had promised to establish him (1 Kings 11:38). • Self-protective plan: Idols at Bethel and Dan seemed “practical,” yet they violated the first two commandments. Why Fear-Driven Choices Still Tempt Us • We focus on what we might lose—position, security, relationships. • We lean on our own understanding rather than God’s clear directions (Proverbs 3:5-6). • We forget whose kingdom we are really building (Matthew 6:33). Scriptural Antidotes to Fear-Based Decision-Making • Anchor in God’s presence – Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you … I will uphold you.” • Receive His Spirit – 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Pray instead of panic – Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing … the peace of God … will guard your hearts.” • Remember God’s track record – Psalm 56:3-4: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” • Ask for wisdom – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God … and it will be given.” Practical Steps to Walk in Faith, Not Fear 1. Pause the inner monologue. Stop and identify what you’re afraid of; name it before God. 2. Search the Scriptures for God’s explicit promises about that area. Write them out. 3. Pray those promises aloud until peace replaces panic. 4. Seek counsel from mature believers who will remind you of truth instead of feeding your anxiety (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Choose obedience even when outcomes look uncertain; faith obeys first and sees later (Hebrews 11:8). 6. Review past deliverances. Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness so current fears meet historical evidence. 7. Refocus on Kingdom priorities. Ask, “How does this choice advance Christ’s reign rather than my comfort?” A Better King to Follow Jeroboam built calves to keep control. Jesus laid down His life to set us free. Romans 8:31 reminds us: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In Him, the most secure person on earth is the one who obeys God’s Word, trusts His heart, and refuses to let fear call the shots. |
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