Selwyn continues to discuss the fact that through Jesus we have been given ‘a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline’.
However, many Christians appear to be paralysed by fear of different types. In some cases, as Selwyn mentions “the devil is directly responsible for some fears.” I think that Satan does this in two ways; one, to create a general atmosphere of fear, for example, the emergence of global terrorism which, I’m sure, has all the fingermarks of Satan on it. The second way, is that he targets Christians who are on fire with the love of our Lord – Satan is an expert on the sort of issues which worry us the most; and, is often most effective in diverting our attention away from working in God’s harvest field to problems to do with those closest to us – family, relations and friends.
Satan knows our weaknesses better than we know ourselves. That’s why we must always ask Jesus for help in difficult times – Jesus has defeated Satan and can turn all his devious, evil schemes into good. I always like the way Joseph reassured his brothers who had earlier sold him into slavery, Genesis 50:20, “You (under Satan’s influence) intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
We can overcome fear by lifting up our hand for God’s help – we just need the confidence that He will take hold and help us through a difficult, fearful time. Scripture is full of stories which demonstrate God’s faithfulness to a disobedient and rebellious people – why don’t we believe in them enough, to live our lives with the love and power, He is offering?Â
‘The great destroyer’
Selwyn continues to discuss the fact that through Jesus we have been given ‘a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline’.
However, many Christians appear to be paralysed by fear of different types. In some cases, as Selwyn mentions “the devil is directly responsible for some fears.” I think that Satan does this in two ways; one, to create a general atmosphere of fear, for example, the emergence of global terrorism which, I’m sure, has all the fingermarks of Satan on it. The second way, is that he targets Christians who are on fire with the love of our Lord – Satan is an expert on the sort of issues which worry us the most; and, is often most effective in diverting our attention away from working in God’s harvest field to problems to do with those closest to us – family, relations and friends.
Satan knows our weaknesses better than we know ourselves. That’s why we must always ask Jesus for help in difficult times – Jesus has defeated Satan and can turn all his devious, evil schemes into good. I always like the way Joseph reassured his brothers who had earlier sold him into slavery, Genesis 50:20, “You (under Satan’s influence) intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
We can overcome fear by lifting up our hand for God’s help – we just need the confidence that He will take hold and help us through a difficult, fearful time. Scripture is full of stories which demonstrate God’s faithfulness to a disobedient and rebellious people – why don’t we believe in them enough, to live our lives with the love and power, He is offering?Â