BBD 08.18.05 Facing Fear - With Fear
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
1,486 New Subscribers since November 2004
08.18.05
Facing Fear - With Fear
(Originally sent 03.19.03)
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth. O LORD, I have heard Your
speech and was afraid;
O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! - Habakkuk 3:1-2a.
When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness
entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of
trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his
troops. - Habakkuk 3:16.
How would you react if you were a believer living in a country that would
soon be attacked by a powerful force knowing there would be no escape?
Habakkuk responded with fear when he understood the Lord's message. The
force attacking Judah to deliver God's judgment would be the Chaldeans. It
was difficult for Habakkuk to understand why God would use the Chaldeans
because they were a wicked and cruel people. Habakkuk's fear was
understandable in such a circumstance.
Habakkuk pleaded with God to "remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2b)." He then
reminds himself and God of the mighty acts of rescue that God has performed
in the past for His people (Habakkuk 3). God is the mighty Deliverer. In
chapter 2 Habakkuk states what holds him together through his fear, "Behold
the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his
faith (Habakkuk 2:4)." Yes, Habakkuk is fearful of what the Chaldeans will
do to Judah but his fear, his respect, his reverence; his faith in his God
is much greater.
What are we to do when faced with fearful, alarming circumstances? We should
first remind ourselves of Whom really has the ultimate power. The One with
the ultimate power and capability is not a physical enemy that we may face
on this earth. The One with the ultimate power and capability is God
Himself. To God alone will someday every knee bow and tongue confess
(Philippians 2:10-11). Our faith in the One with the ultimate power gives us
strength to move forward through whatever may come our way. Habakkuk is just
one of countless millions who can testify to this spiritual fact.
What fear, what danger, and what threat are you facing? Is it greater than
your God? Strengthen yourself in the Lord your God. Live by your faith in
the One who is greater than all others. Your reverence for Him will empower
you to face whatever may come in your life.
Copyright © 2003-2005. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the
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