How can we overcome fear when God calls us to serve? Fear Exposed in 1 Samuel 10:22 “Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD replied, ‘He is there, hidden among the supplies.’” Saul had already been anointed (1 Samuel 10:1), empowered by the Spirit (10:6), and given clear confirmation through prophetic signs (10:7). Even with all that, when the public moment arrived he was literally hiding. His fear illustrates what often happens when God calls us into service—we know the facts, yet our feelings shout louder. The Root of Fear • Focus on self: “I’m inadequate, unworthy, inexperienced.” • Focus on others: “What will they think? What if I fail in front of them?” • Forgetfulness of God: “Has God really equipped me? Will He come through?” Scripture treats fear not as an unavoidable personality trait but as a spiritual challenge that can be overcome through truth. God’s Response to Our Fear • He exposes it (1 Samuel 10:22). Fear loses power when brought into the open. • He reminds us of His presence: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). • He gives the Spirit: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). • He speaks identity: “Is it not true that the LORD has anointed you?” (1 Samuel 10:1). Steps to Overcoming Fear When Called to Serve 1. Remember God’s choosing. • Saul was chosen “from all the tribes of Israel” (1 Samuel 10:20). • Believers are “a chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9). Calling originates with God, not with our résumé. 2. Rely on God’s presence. • Joshua 1:9—He is with you wherever you go. • Hebrews 13:5—“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 3. Receive the Spirit’s empowerment. • 1 Samuel 10:6—“The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you.” • Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” 4. Replace fearful thoughts with Scripture. • Psalm 56:3—“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” • 1 John 4:18—Perfect love drives out fear. 5. Refocus on obedience over outcome. • “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). • Success in God’s eyes is faithfulness, not applause. 6. Rehearse God’s past faithfulness. • David before Goliath recalled the lion and bear (1 Samuel 17:37). • Personal testimonies fuel present courage. Encouraging Examples in Scripture • Moses—Exodus 3–4: felt unqualified, yet God promised, “I will be with you.” • Gideon—Judges 6: weak and fearful, but “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor!” • Jeremiah—Jeremiah 1: too young, yet God touched his mouth and said, “Do not be afraid of them.” God delights in using reluctant servants who lean on Him. Promises to Remember • Isaiah 41:10—Strength, help, and upholding hands. • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Putting It All Together When God calls, fear often surfaces, just as it did for Saul. But the same Lord who exposed Saul’s hiding place also supplied everything Saul needed to lead. By fixing our eyes on the God who calls, indwells, and promises to uphold us, we move from hiding among the baggage to standing in the center of His will—bold, not because we are confident in ourselves, but because we are convinced of Him. |
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