Fighting for Love Instead of Fighting Against Fear

by Ps Elijah

Are you aware that fear is actually a distorted form of faith – faith in negativity:

“I’m going to fail!”

“What if this doesn’t work? I’ll be in trouble!“

We believe so strongly that negative things will happen, thus losing the strength to fight, the drive to advance and the worst part - the will to fulfil our destiny. Fear, therefore, is a powerful weapon used by the enemy to paralyse the people of God.

Now the question is, how to overcome fear? The Bible provides an antidote: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear….” (1John 4:18). In this journey of overcoming fear, I would like to suggest this: fighting for love instead of fighting against fear.

The key is this: put our efforts into the antidote and not into fighting the problem. Sometimes, we amplify negativity when we fight against them. Our attention is so focused on that “thing” being defeated that we unknowingly exalt them, making it bigger than what it actually is. Instead, we fight for love. By receiving and remaining in the perfect love of the Father, there will be no room for fear in our lives, as love and fear do not coexist.

So, let’s fight for love - set our hearts on being loved by the Father; seek to discover the perfect, unending love that is greater than we could possibly imagine. However, we must understand that this is more than a concept; it has to be discovered through personal encounters and further developed into a lifestyle. Try to apply the suggested activity in the practical session on a regular basis (daily, if possible). You will surely encounter His love. Along the way, expect Him to reveal the unique weapon which He has given to you in dealing with those fears (refer to devotional material day 09).

You are destined to leave a legacy, don’t allow fear to paralyse you. Fight for love and soon you will find that fear is manageable.

Application

Before going to bed, spend some time in His presence without any agenda: Instead of doing what you normally do when you come before God (for example singing, praying, proclaiming……); just remain still, turn your affections to Him and allow Him to love you. After some time, you will find yourself able to shift your attention; from what you need to do in order to be right, to what He has already done for you that made you right!