Don't be discouraged (1)

After Jehoshaphat's prayer, God came down and the first thing He did was to tell the people through His prophet that they should not be afraid. But, why does God always come first with this assurance 'Don't be afraid' anytime He wants to intervene in our situation? Let's read that portion before we go on, please. Listen:

"As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's" 2 Chronicles 20:13-15

Yes, don't be afraid because it is not your battle! It is God's! This was His first reaction to their supplication. God comes this way in order to cool any existing tension in us. He tells us not to be afraid at the time of battles, so that we will not lose focus and faith or make mistakes. A time of battle (spiritual of physical) is a time to be strong, courageous and remain focused to Him that is able to do all things. We must not in any way give in to any form of anxiety or pressure. This is always the first and most important battle front. Some get mercilessly defeat from the first stage of the battle because of fear, loss of confidence and confusion. They look at the size of the enemy and intensity challenge, their weak position, their inadequacies, lack of support, etc. No! You must not allow this. Always focus on the greatness of your God and His unlimited ability to rescue you and defeat any enemy. True.

Look at that first actions of Jehoshaphat again, immediately he received the message that the three nations were already near to attack his country, the bible said that he was alarmed and sought the LORD for guidance. Did you see that? Yes, he was troubled as a human being that is being faced by a great challenge, but he immediately ran to God. Our fears should always lead us to the presence of God. It is only in His presence that our fears, troubles will be dispelled. Our God, the God of Israel is greater than all our fears. You cannot successfully walk with Him if you still operate in the level of a fear.

Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear torments but faith excels. Fear removes, but faith empowers. Fear limits the operations of heaven. Fear attracts the negative forces and results. Fear exposes our lack of faith and trust in God. Fear is the most powerful instrument in the hand of the Devil. He throws it to paralyze his victims before destroying them. Fear exalts the enemy and his mischievous character and reduces the glory of God. And God abhors the fearful, the faithless. In fact, to allow fear to overwhelm you is a sin before God and that is why in Revelation chapter twenty-one, verse eight, He said that even the fearful (cowards) shall also have their place in the lake of fire. We must not give in to fear. Don't ever! Rev. Agbo is the author of the book 'Power of Midnight Prayer'.

Website: http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo

E-mail:gabrielagbo@yahoo.com