Flee Fear's Snare!

The possibility of becoming trapped can be cause for fear. However, fear itself can also be a trap. Fear can paralyze or prompt actions and responses to life situations that may reflect a lack of TRUST IN GOD. Which power is being reflected more and more in our life?

Solomon stated. . .
"(25) The FEAR OF MAN lays A SNARE, but whoever TRUSTS IN THE LORD IS SAFE." ( Proverbs 29:25 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads. . .
"(25) Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety." [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

We can be entrapped by the fear of men by allowing our actions or responses to be dictated by what we fear they might do to us. Rather than dread what man can do, we need to remember the ultimate power of God over our life and destiny. (i.e. Matthew 10:28) Therefore, we are encouraged to TRUST IN THE LORD and so be safe for an eternity. That security ought to remove the sense of feeling intimidated by man as we remember God has not given us a spirit of fear, "but of power and love and self-control." ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)

Though Abraham was a great man of faith, he had his moments of weakness. On two separate occasions ( Genesis 12:13; 20:2 & 5) -- out of fear of man ( Genesis 20:11) -- he had Sarah say she was his sister rather than his wife, which was a half-truth as she was his half-sister. ( Genesis 20:12) Peter also, out of fear of man, denied the Lord three times. ( Matthew 26:69-75) That fear ensnared where TRUST IN THE LORD would have emboldened as it did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who would bow only to God even if it meant the fiery furnace. ( Daniel 3:16-18) These three friends of Daniel did not allow fear of man to dictate their response, but rather their unwavering TRUST IN THE LORD. They refused to shrink back in fear to avoid the wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar.

May we be like the Hebrew writer -- writing to encourage Christians going through a time of severe persecution -- who stated. . .

"(39) But we are NOT OF THOSE WHO SHRINK BACK and are destroyed, BUT OF THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH AND PRESERVE THEIR SOULS." ( Hebrews 10:39 ESV)

Have a great day EXPERIENCING MORE FREEDOM FROM FEAR THROUGH GREATER TRUST IN THE LORD!
Carl

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