Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, (1 Kings 19:1-3 ). Often the voice of fear comes after you’ve had a mountain-top experience. Elijah had just called down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel.
Then Jezebel spoke. She didn’t use chariots and soldiers; she didn’t need to. Her words intimidated him, depressed him and drove him into hiding. Look out! If you listen to the voice of fear you’ll be afraid of the next telephone call, the next medical prognosis or the next stock market report. Who are you listening to? Who are you going to believe, God or men? Listen To God
Neither the wind nor the fire nor the earthquake could bring Elijah out of his cave, only the still, small voice of God could (1 Kings 19:11-13). Our fears are often the result of two things: imagination and misunderstanding. Fear causes us to think the worst instead of believing God for the best (2 Corinthians 10:5). ‘...fear brings with it the thought of punishment...’ (1 John 4:18).
When something goes wrong we wonder, ‘Is God punishing me for something I’ve done?’ No, fear and faith are present with us every day; the one you choose will rule your life. So when you come up against a fear-producing situation, do these three things: pray for God’s wisdom and protection; He promises both; admit your inner struggle – you’re not unique, we all battle fear; stand on His Word, for He says, ‘...”I will never leave you nor forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5). The Only Password Is Prayer
you’re battling fear today, listen to these words from the God Who loves you, protects you and promises to be with you. When there seems to be no way out, He says, ‘Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the [deliverance] of the Lord which He will work for you today.’ Notice the words, ‘He will work for you today’. Start looking for evidence of His hand at work in your situation; that’s how your faith grows.
When the problem looks too big, He says, ‘Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you’ (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stop and remind yourself whose company you’re in. The One ‘Who goes with you’ has never lost a battle, and He will win this one. When you feel like you can’t cope any more, He says, ‘...do not look around you… and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties...’ (Isaiah 41:10). The Engrafted Word
Notice the words ‘harden you to difficulties’. God usually doesn’t lift us out of the problem, He takes us through it and toughens us up. When you lose your peace of mind, He says, ‘Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance… continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace… which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds...’ (Philippians 4:6-7). Don’t listen to the voice of fear. God is with you today!
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