Teaching by Pastor Margaret Ochsner, Women’s Apostolic Alliance member
Fear is such a debilitating, paralysing thing. It can cause you to feel insecure, unsafe, intimidated, confused and shut down.
It is one of the main things that Satan uses to stop us walking in freedom and victory and coming into our destiny and the purpose that we were created for.
At the moment with this world-wide pandemic of the Corona virus, a Spirit of fear has been unleashed on the earth. And this is giving the Enemy access and control.
Many fear that they, or their loved ones, might catch the virus. If any of them have, there is fear they may die, or that there might be some permanent damage. There is a fear of the unknown.
There are fears regarding how long the shut-down and restrictions will last. Fears of losing work permanently, of managing financially, of how things will be after this, of how long it will continue, if it will crop up again, of mental health issues for those in isolation etc.
It is natural to be concerned, but God doesn’t want us to fear.
Jesus defeated fear on our behalf at the cross and He commands us not to fear.
You cannot be in fear and faith at the same time. One cancels the other out and everything in the spiritual is accessed by faith!
“Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
Jesus is perfect love and when He comes in, in His fullness, fear has to give way.
We need to ask for the gift of faith and choose to believe these truths. Invite Jesus in!
Jesus even tells us not to worry! (John 6:25-34) Because worry never solves anything. Probably gives you stomach ulcers and gives Satan access.
And He commands us not to be anxious!
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
This is a big ask! But it is a very powerful verse with many keys to freedom.
Key 1. Choose to believe that God is alive and well in you, in the power of His Holy Spirit. He just wants to release His peace, His love, His power, His strength, His protection, His safety and security whenever we need it. We just need to ask, believe and receive it!
Key 2. Bring Him your requests, concerns etc. to God.
Key 3. With thanksgiving. This is a big one. Choose to believe that He is large and in charge. That He is faithful. He has the answers. He is the source of all power and authority and He is for you. And He inhabits the praise of His people.
Then you can know His peace which He bought for you on the cross at tremendous cost. God’s peace is a powerful weapon against the Enemy. He wants us to be anxious and fearful. He wants to “ruffle our feathers.” He hates it when we walk in peace.
So, let us give the enemy a headache and bless God by believing and trusting in Him and walking in His peace at this time and taking every opportunity to share it with others.