Faith and Freedom From Fear

Today I read a troubling article of vulnerable people being deceived by a scam artist posing as a fortune teller in Sydney.  Two of the people interviewed were told they had an evil spirit on them and their children and would die unless they paid money for extensive prayer.  They ended up being conned out of tens of thousands of dollars out of fear for the well-being of their children and family.  Fear is a pervasive, consuming force in the lives of countless people today overcome only by faith in Christ.

One might think the opposite of fear is courage or bravery, but Jesus revealed it is faith in God.  People might be viewed as courageous because of what they have done or do, yet fear could be mixed with what prompted them to do what they did.  After the disciples panicked in fear during a storm on the Sea of Galilee Mark 4:40 reads, "But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"  Faith in Jesus was the antidote to fear that caused them to cry out and wonder if Jesus even cared about them.  When we have faith in God who loves us, our fear is cast out as it says in 1 John 4:18:  "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Knowing God loves us makes us bold even in the face of judgment.  Believers in Christ do not need to have trepidation about our future on earth or even final judgment, for Jesus has already taken our deserved punishment upon Himself and promised abundant, eternal life.  He has forgiven and expunged us of our sins, He has destroyed every curse and has overcome all spiritual foes to make our hearts His own dwelling place.  For those who do not know and trust Jesus, however, fear is a rational response in light of our inability to save, redeem or deliver ourselves from evil--or even protect ourselves from the lies of deceitful people.  To those who are afraid Jesus speaks words of life and love as the living, almighty God before whom all angels and demons tremble.  In Him alone we find rest for our souls.

For those who worship demons there are millions of other demons as well--millions more reasons to be in fear should you not gain the attention and protection of your limited deity.  The eternal God who created all living things, all spirits, people and animals, has humbled Himself to be revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.  All who  came to Jesus who were possessed or oppressed by evil spirits were delivered free of charge, and Jesus also went to the man who had a legion of spirits no man could tame and freed him without a fight or a fee.  To all people who have been put in fear to pay a fee for your deliverance or protection know Jesus paid the price of your redemption with His own blood.  There is hope for you today, right this minute.  All people by God's grace can receive salvation and freedom from the curse of sin and death by faith in Jesus who loves us.  Have faith in Jesus Christ, and you will have freedom from fear.