It’s painful to watch someone be controlled by “fear!” It can eat them alive, destroy their life, or worse, their faith. The Bible says the things you fear the most will come upon you. I witnessed that verse play out. A mother once shared what her worst fear was, and it actually came to pass almost with the exact details she shared.

But what if one’s “fear” affects others? What if their acting in “fear” caused a divide, a riff, in another family? That is what happened last week in our home. One of April’s friend’s “fears” affected me, and I displayed my anger concerning the matter. I thought it was silly, and I, in turn, decided I did not want to be around that person. Then April got mad. Fear is like a shark attack. Many times, sharks don’t just take one bite and then leave!

It took a couple of days, but we worked our way through it. And the thing is, God controlled things so their “fear” wouldn’t come to pass anyway. They forgot about God. They forgot to give their “fear” to Him. Some allow their fears to get to megalodon proportions!

F orgetting
E verything
A bout
R edemption

Redemption means: the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

Fear can rise in anyone at any time. Some fear is healthy. For instance, having a fear or respect for a poisonous snake can keep you alive. But when you allow your “fears” to control your behavior or, perhaps worse, control others, then it is wrong! People get hurt, including the one who manifested the “fear” in the first place.

Remember to give any and all “fear” to God. Be honest with Him and tell Him what is bothering you. Then trust Him by remembering that you have been redeemed and that He can protect you from evil coming upon you.

The worst of my fears has come true,
    what I’ve dreaded most has happened. Job 3:25 (MSG)

 There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isa. 41:10 (MSG)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears. Ps. 34:4 (NIV)

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