Wars and rumors of wars; vivid videos of violence — fear has once again gripped thousands, not only in Israel or Gaza, but here in our own nation as well. If this horrific thing can happen in Israel, who is truly safe anywhere?

Pray for your fellow intercessor. 

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Although fear has always been around, I first saw the explosion of worldwide fear on the faces of many in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, thousands who have never dealt with debilitating fear have battled anxiety, stress, and crippling fear. To make matters worse, the world around us doesn’t seem to be getting better since 2020. With skyrocketing prices at the grocery store, for utilities, and for all other necessities, people are hurting financially. Most no longer fear the virus, but fear is nonetheless still present in many areas of their lives. Most recently, we’re seeing unprecedented violence on every news outlet. No one feels safe, and most people are vulnerable to fear.

Many years ago, God spoke something profound to me. He said: “The devil needs fear to operate in your life in the same way I need faith to operate in your life.” It is the Enemy’s plan for the people of God to possess a fear that will immobilize them. He needs that fear if he is to be able to work in our lives and in our nation. Yet, the Word of God says: Fear not.

One thing I’ve noticed about the Word of God concerning fear is this: God’s instruction to His people to fear not always came at a time when they had an obvious reason to fear. God knows, and we must know, that we cannot allow fear to get into us. It only takes seconds for us to get into fear — but if we allow fear to get into us — it takes much longer to get rid of. Why? Because it is a spirit, and that spirit is hoping to destroy us. The Bible says the Enemy searches for someone to kill, steal from, and destroy — and that is exactly what this spirit attempts to do.

Fear is not a feeling. It is a spirit.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

Since fear is a spirit, it must be dealt with as such. We cannot wish it away or try not to feel fear. That won’t work, at least not permanently. We must do what the Bible says. God has promised that through Christ, we can overcome every evil work, and this includes the spirit of fear.

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

This is not something we can fight in the flesh; this battle must be won in the spirit.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds … (2 Corinthians 10:4).

First, put on the whole armor of God daily:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints … (Ephesians 6:10–18).

Second, Jesus drove out spirits with a word. We can do the same thing. We stand in the authority God has given us and command the spirit of fear to leave us and never come back, in Jesus’ name.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18).

I know that sounds simple — maybe too simple, and I will agree that it is not always that easy. However, we must continue to contend for this awesome promise. Scripture reminds us: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Nothing is impossible with God! You and I can, through Christ, live a life free from fear, regardless of what is going on around us.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off] (Galatians 5:1 AMPC).

Peace, not fear, is our promise from God. The same peace in which Jesus walked belongs to us today. That’s the good news. We have access to that peace, but it’s up to us to lay hold of it. Set your heart and mind to abolish fear and live a life of peace and joy in Christ. It’s yours for the taking — take it today!

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Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. Her daily inspirational writings are available at ANewThingMinistries.com. Photo Credit: IFA.