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As we continue our reflections on this past Sunday's sermon, let's consider another aspect of fear.

Our God is powerful to deliver us from the fear of danger.

Principalities and powers threaten us with the specter of being hurt or being destroyed. These threats can result in a form of fear that keeps the Christian from reaching his or her full potential. The Scripture shows us examples of the types of threats that are made to attempt to keep believers from walking in obedience to God.

The threat of public humiliation. The first century church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was able to stand against the spirit of fear. The threats of the religious leaders, and the beatings and imprisonments those leaders imposed, did not deter the disciples of Jesus from boldly proclaiming the gospel of salvation.

The threat of death. The book of Daniel recounts the experiences of Daniel and his friends. They refused to give in to the fear of death, and instead chose to suffer the consequences of disobeying direct orders from the pagan kings who ruled over Babylon. Neither a den of lions nor a fiery furnace could turn these young men from honoring God with undeterred, undivided worship.

Pastor Sam reminded us of the central verse of Psalm 23: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” The LORD, who is our salvation, is present with us! He empowers us to continue standing for His agenda, even in the face of threats from principalities and powers.

One of the beautiful aspects of God's power is that deliverance from fear can be accomplished even if our external situation does not change. This was the testimony of unnamed Christians commended in the book of Hebrews: “Others were tortured and refused to be released...” (Hebrews 11:35). To paraphrase our pastor, “What can anyone do to you if you're not afraid to die?”

The LORD is my light; darkness cannot move me.
The LORD is my salvation; threats will not stop me.
I'm not afraid anymore!