What steps can we take to trust God more in times of fear? The Setting: Elijah’s Fear 1 Kings 19:3 – “And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there,” A mighty prophet who had just called fire from heaven now flees in terror. Scripture records the moment plainly, reminding us that even the most faithful can feel overwhelmed. Step 1: Acknowledge the Fear Openly • Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” • Elijah did not pretend bravery; he ran. Naming fear before God lays the groundwork for trust. Denial keeps fear alive; confession exposes it to God’s light. Step 2: Turn the Fear into Prayerful Petition • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • Replace rehearsing fears with presenting them. Gratitude shifts focus from the threat to the One who rules over it. Step 3: Remember God’s Past Faithfulness • 1 Samuel 17:37 – “The LORD who delivered me… will deliver me…” • Elijah had just witnessed fire on Carmel (1 Kings 18). Rehearsing previous victories fuels present trust. Practical idea: Keep a written “faithfulness list” of answered prayers and past deliverances. Step 4: Rest and Receive God’s Provision • 1 Kings 19:5-6 – “Suddenly an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ … he ate and drank and lay down again.” • Psalm 127:2 – “…He gives sleep to His beloved.” Physical exhaustion magnifies fear. Accepting God-given sleep, food, and quiet time is spiritual obedience, not laziness. Step 5: Listen for the Whisper in the Word • 1 Kings 19:12 – “…after the fire came a still small voice.” • Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Daily, unhurried Scripture intake tunes ears to God’s gentle voice, drowning out threats that shout. Step 6: Obey the Next Clear Instruction • 1 Kings 19:15 – “Then the LORD said to him, ‘Go back the way you came…’” • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” Trust grows as we act on what we know, not on what we feel. Fear shrinks when we take the next small step God reveals. Step 7: Re-enter God-Given Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 – “…let us encourage one another…” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one…” Elijah was told to anoint Elisha, gaining a companion (1 Kings 19:16-21). Isolation feeds fear; fellowship strengthens faith. Putting It Together 1. Admit the fear. 2. Pray it out with thanksgiving. 3. Recall God’s track record. 4. Rest and refuel. 5. Hear His voice through Scripture. 6. Do the next obedient act. 7. Walk with fellow believers. Each step flows naturally from the inspired, factual narrative. As Elijah moved through them, panic gave way to renewed purpose. The same God stands ready to steady every trembling heart today. |
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