While travelling to Auckland a couple weeks ago this verse we all know and quote, came to mind.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
But the interesting thing was the Lord was highlighting the word ‘spirit’. As a person we are built 3 parts in one, mind, body and spirit. The Lord said, Did you notice that I only pointed out one of these parts? The spirit. And then He mentioned the ‘safety guards’ to check WHO is driving this area of you.
My question to Him was, Are there fears – mentally and physically that You did give us? For I believe not all fear is bad and the same. We are all built with a high and fly sensor to make us aware of danger and get us out of the way quickly.
The Lord was saying first we are spiritual beings, the very life in us was My breath. As you know where My spirit is there is freedom. So the spirit within you defines who you are and will become, as well as what resources you have to use. And the why the Lord gave us the Holy Spirit, to possess the very essence of the Father, being Love, Power and sound mind. For without these we will end up as Paul talks about in James 1, DOUBLE MINDED.
This rises the old age question, Can Christians have demons? which I am not going to address here, asides from saying both the Father and Jesus in scripture grant satan’s request to test or sift Job and Peter. Both of these cases, like it is today was a set up for promotion by the Lord.
The Way of Escape
1 Corinthians 10:13
“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously”.
Often when we are being hounded by the enemy, it is an invitation to a promotion of a new level of His Glory. We need to change our perspective to see them this way! This is the why and how we can give thanks in all situations 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Great reminder for the times we are in worldwide, current pandemic, extreme weather conditions, economic uncertainty or even duress. These can be to us as believers a sign of promotion, increase, new opportunity or a new way of doing things that’s far more productive and so much more. Or the opposite. It really depends how you respond, when the spirit of fear comes knocking ? Who will you put in the driving seat of your life – fear or the Holy Spirit? It is your choice.
This is why the Lord has provided this verse, as a warning, an accountability check, or a day checklist. He is saying that what He is giving and has given and will continue give is Love, power and sound mind, anything outside of this is not Him. So when fear comes knocking you can recognise the enemy and thank him for letting you know that you’re about to be promoted.
Let’s end with some words by Paul to conclude and confirm the message
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.
Challenge time: Grab your journal, space and ask the Lord these questions, write down all He says.
- Lord what drives me? What fears do I have?
2. Lord what do You say about those fears?
3. Lord I give you each of these fears (name them one by one) and as I release them to you Lord, what do You give me in exchange? (write down each exchange) If you want to keep the new God has given you, simply say “Lord today I choose to keep the new (what it is) that You have given me, I do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind. Thank You Jesus.
4. Lord with what You have given, and will give me in the future, is my daily check list of Love, Power and Sound Mind in balance? Show me where the imbalance is Lord and balance it with Your Spirit.
5. Lord I ask You to remind me that when I am hounded, feel overwhelmed with trials and tribulations, or the need to control, that I will pause and GIVE THANKS and REALISE that a Promotion from You and In You is my portion, and I will Raise a Hallelujah to You the King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
6. Worship Time as you declare who Your God is, and what He has done, will do, and is going to do in you, through you, and with you.
Father God, thank You for the reminder, about who is driving us, and that You desire us to live in a continual place of Love, Power and Sound Mind, led by the Holy Spirit. We thank You in all seasons that You are God, You are Good and You are Good to us, we Trust You and know Your Peace will lead us every step of the journey. We celebrate in expectation the promotion that is our portion as we persevere in Relationship with You, our Father, through Jesus blood and Holy Spirit empowerment. We love You, In Jesus name. Amen.
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/Apostolic
Encounter Ministries.
