How can we overcome fear to serve God more effectively? Fear Exposed: Luke 19:21 “ ‘For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ ” The servant’s fear led him to bury the master’s mina. Misplaced fear distorted his view of the master, paralyzed initiative, and forfeited reward. The parable warns us that fear can keep us from fruitful service. Tracing the Roots of Fear • Doubting God’s character—seeing Him as “harsh” rather than gracious (cf. James 1:17). • Fixating on possible failure instead of promised help (Joshua 1:9). • Listening to the enemy’s accusations rather than the Spirit’s assurances (Revelation 12:10). God’s Answer: His Own Character • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • 1 John 4:18 — “Perfect love drives out fear.” • Romans 8:15 — We receive “the Spirit of sonship,” not slavery to fear. When we remember whose we are, fear loses its grip. Practical Steps to Break Free 1. Acknowledge and repent of fear • Admit where you’ve buried your “mina.” • Ask the Lord to forgive unbelief (Mark 9:24). 2. Renew your mind with truth • Daily read promises like Psalm 27, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6. • Memorize and speak them when anxiety rises. 3. Rely on the Holy Spirit • Yield to the Spirit’s power, love, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 4. Act in faith—start small • Use the gift you’ve been given, even if it feels insignificant (1 Peter 4:10). • Momentum grows as obedience replaces hesitation. 5. Walk with courageous companions • “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). • Share victories and setbacks; pray for boldness together (Acts 4:29-31). 6. Celebrate God’s faithfulness • Keep a record of answered prayers and open doors. • Thanksgiving fuels confidence for the next step. Biblical Portraits of Courage Over Fear • Moses—once fearful of speaking (Exodus 4:10), later confronted Pharaoh with miracles. • Gideon—hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11), but, trusting God, led 300 men to victory. • Peter—denied Jesus in fear (Luke 22:57), yet preached boldly at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). The common thread: God met them in weakness and empowered obedience. Living Boldly Today • Remember: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). • Faith expresses itself through risk-taking obedience, confident that the Master is good. • As we step out, fear shrinks, gifts multiply, and the Master receives the glory He deserves. |
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