A DEATH BLOW TO FEAR
After Pentecost, the Apostle Paul and the other disciples fearlessly faced severe persecution, imprisonment, beatings, stoning or death, rather than deny Christ. They were not intimidated by the threats of the Pharisees who demanded that they stop preaching the Gospel. They assembled the believers together and called upon God to fill them with boldness.
They prayed:
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30)
When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak the Word of God with boldness — without fear!
Paul was not fearful concerning the afflictions and persecutions he endured. He did not fear what man could do to him. Not knowing what he would face in Jerusalem, he boldly said: “…for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).
Paul wasn’t running or shrinking back in fear. He wasn’t afraid of death. He said, “I am ready!” He said, “None of these things move me!” He was ready to face anything and everything Satan could bring against him.
What was it that enabled these men and women to be so strong, bold, and fearless in facing their enemies? What was it that enabled David to face Goliath with only a slingshot and five smooth stones; enabled Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to go into the fiery furnace unafraid; empowered Daniel to march into the lions’ den and face the ferocious lions; and helped believers in the Early Church face beatings, imprisonment, burning at the stake, and being thrown to lions while unafraid and singing praises to God?
Their fearlessness was not based upon anything they possessed or upon their natural strength or abilities. It was based upon the fact that they knew God was with them.
You will not conquer fear by therapy, education, or rationalization. You may be helped temporarily, but the root of fear will still be there. A death blow is only rendered to the root of fear when you realize God is with you. Your victory isn’t in you — it is in Him.
Make this declaration:
I am rendering a death blow to the spirit of fear. Acts 4:1-31
