John 14: 27; Joshua 1: 9; Isaiah 43: 1-5
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real!
You have probably heard this common acronym associated with the word Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. I concur that this is one of the best descriptions of such a crippling concept called ‘fear’. First, it is false evidence – meaning it is far from the truth. Secondly, it ‘appears’ real – meaning the figment of its existence is in question; so there is a high probability that it is not real!
Fear is a commonly famous concept, given that everyone of us has supposedly experienced it one time or the other. Fear is a common enemy, and an unwelcomed guest. This article cannot begin to outline the crippling nature of fear, the paralyzing effects of fear, or the limiting nature of fear. No wonder the Bible warns us against the spirit of fear. Bible scholars have it that there are 365 ‘fear nots’ in the Bible – one for each day of the year!
In light of the above subject, this article presents two varying arguments or perspectives applicable to the concept of fear. These two perspectives control different outcomes for any given situation. What I mean is that sometimes fear is inevitable in life; however, whichever of these two arguments you adopt will determine or greatly influence the results you obtain when faced with challenges
Let us take a look at the two perspectives:
The First Perspective – ‘Forsake Everything And Run’! (FEAR): Fear puts one in a fight or flight mode; and most often the tendency or norm is to chose the ‘flight’ option. In this state of flight, facing our fear is not in consideration. Our entire faculty/system is focused on the dangers perceived, and the need for safety! When this happens the resulting episode is that our dreams, visions, opportunities, prospects, etc. are abandoned in the flee for safety or comfort.
A classical example is the ten spies sent to explore the land of Canaan – the future home of the Israelites (Numbers 13: 1-33). They allowed the fear of the giants to drown any iota of possibility relating to the defeat of the Canaanites. As a result, most of that generation perished in the wilderness, and did not make it to the promised land, for God was displeased with them! How sad!
Thus this perspective of fear limits one, it paralyzes
The second Perspective – ‘Face Everything And Rise’! (FEAR): This is when the ‘fight’ perspective is adopted despite the fear. You have often heard it said that ‘whatever you cannot face, you cannot overcome’. In other words, the benefits to be gained is allowed to outweigh the immediate paralysis of fear. The resulting outcome is that our dreams, visions, and missions are still accomplished regardless of the false evidence that appears to be real.
A good example is the two spies whose eye of faith saw the defeat of Canaan despite the opposing challenges and difficulties. They said ‘let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it’.
Another example is Gideon who despite his fears still accomplished the task. He had to go at night to destroy the altar of Baal because he was afraid to do it by day (Judges 6: 27-30) – but the good news is that he did it anyway!
Folks, it pays to adopt this second perspective. Even if you are afraid, do it anyway. When it comes to achieving our dreams, goals, visions, etc., It is better to do it afraid, than never!
So here lies before us two perspectives of fear. Which will you adopt?
The choice always is yours.