CONFRONT AND OVERCOME FEAR

“And they rose up in the twilight to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there” – 2 Kings 7:5

The nature of FAITH is to CONFRONT and OVERCOME FEAR: “And they rose up in the twilight to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there” (2Kgs.7:5). Ben-Hadad king of Syria had besieged Samaria causing famine and hunger (2Kgs.6:24-30). After a momentary feat of anger, Jehoram, king of Israel somewhat repented, and in response, God’s Prophetic Word of Faith came through Elisha: “Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria’ ” (2Kgs.7:1). God declared the promises of freedom, deliverance, restoration, prosperity, and plentiful supply!

This Word came to give Israel the hope and faith necessary to arise and take action. But the unbeliever present considered it too good to be true: “So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, 'Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?' (v.2a). Elisha’s response sealed the man’s destiny: “In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” The doubter truly saw the promise of plenty come to pass, others getting blessed, but did not enjoy it himself (vv.17-20). This is the lot of those who try to exalt their reasoning above God’s Word!

God fulfilled His Word through the most unlikely instruments – Four Lepers! These starving outcasts could have been paralysed by fear, like most other inhabitants of Samaria, but they ventured into their victory (vv.3-4). They decided that doing nothing was not an option. As they arose and advanced towards the enemies, God’s angelic Army marched with them. Though uncertain as to what awaited them, they soon found the enemies all gone (vv.5-7). Faith in God delivers Pleasant Surprises! When you dare to face your fear, you’ll soon realise that what you thought would terrify or devour you, will deliver blessings to you. Those who move forward by Faith in God will leave sorrow, sickness, and problems behind and enter into a future of joy, health, and prosperity.

First, God gives His Word. Then, when we believe and act accordingly, His Power and Resources are released into action to manifest the answer. When God speaks His Word of Faith and Freedom, He needs us to believe and act on it! As the lepers moved in faith, God’s angelic Army arose and Victory manifested. His Word stirred the lepers from hopeless apathy and passivity. Their thinking changed. They began to ask the right questions: “WHY SIT WE HERE UNTIL WE DIE?” (v.3b) – “What’s the point of sitting down in doubt until we die? Why wallow in worry, fear, regret, and depression, under enemy domination?” God’s Word gives hope and inner strength to rise up and take action. Are you paralysed by the past, fearful of the future, quitting on life, accepting defeat as normal, and just letting life happen to you?

Beloved, “there is hope in your future” but fear wants to debar you from accessing it (Jer.31:17). God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of Power, of Love and sound mind” (2Tim.1:7). Fear and faith are opposites. Fear is the belief that what the devil intended is bound to happen. Faith is the belief that God’s Counsel shall stand. Fear means False Evidence Appearing Real! Beyond the fear is your breakthrough. Some of the things you’re afraid of are incapable of delivering their threat. As long as God is leading you in a particular direction, continue to march forward, notwithstanding the seeming obstacle. Walk out of worry. Confront the agencies of fear, subdue and overcome them by the power in the Blood and the name of Jesus. Then, you’ll hit your breakthrough and taste the sweetness of Victory.