Facing Your Fear Series

Introduction

Part 2- Fearless (adapted from a series by Pastor Larry Osborne/Chris Brown from North Coast Church).

Review

Last time-looked at Daniel/his captivity in Babylon-

Babylon was a very dark culture

Premise of what we discussed- based on this question-

How do we survive and even thrive in a culture that is accelerating towards darkness?

Survive- to remain alive or continue to exist.

Thrive- to grow vigorously, to gain, to progress.

Facing Your Fears

Fear- an unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by the anticipation/awareness of danger.

Fear- God given emotion- warning light car dash-

fear can warn us of very real danger.

The question is not how to avoid fear, but- how do we master our fears instead of them mastering us?

1933- FDR took office at the height of the depression-

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance- in such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties.

It is true we have nothing to fear but fear itself, but does that tell the whole story?

Gallup poll- 13-17 yr olds- what most afraid of-

Terrorist attack, death (or dying), war, failure in life, spiders.

College students- what will- world be like in 25 years-

91% climate change will hit hard,

66% global oil reserves will have run out.

Adults- asked about spending and finances-

59% cutting spending- concern for the future,

only 28% are cutting back because their actual

financial situation has gotten worse.

People today are worried and fearful about the future.

How do we face our fears, how do we walk with courage/contentment- in light of our situation?

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, but not absence of fear. Mark Twain

Finding Your Fears

* What if BLANK happens?

What are you most afraid of- what put in the blank?

Perhaps you are facing-

serious health problems, losing your job.

We all have something we can put in that blank.

Josh 1:1-2

Moses, the man who had led the nation for many years is dead- now Joshua must lead.

Think about who this man Moses was, he-

boldly challenged-most powerful king on earth,

had a staff that would turn into a snake,

brought great plagues on Egypt,

led the people to- Red Sea, raises his staff and

the waters part- walk through on dry ground

hits a rock with his staff and water comes out.

Moses would make the ultimate Action Toy and Joshua had to fill his shoes.

Josh 1:3-5

God was saying to Joshua-

the God I WAS is

the God I AM and is

the God I WILL BE.

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. NASU

The same God that walked/talked w/Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Paul, walks/speaks w/us today.

Many of us- facing our Red Sea/Jordan River/Jericho- the same God is prepared to deliver us today.

Josh 1:6-9

Joshua wrestled w/human feelings of fear/inadequacy-

he is standing before a river at flood stage,

other side-fortified city-filled w/enemy soldiers.

responsible for the safety of two million people including women/children/elderly.

God instructs Joshua not to be afraid- be courageous.

Facing Your Fears

* Strength and courage come from the choices we make, more than the feelings we have.

God is saying to Joshua- if you walk w/me according to My Word, I will be w/you.

Joshua, it is far more about your daily choices than how you feel- whether courageous or adequate.

Do not be afraid appears 120 times.

Do not fear appears 131 times.

2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

The idea of-

leaving Egypt,

wandering in the wilderness, and

finding the Promised Land

runs through the Bible.

Many- find themselves wandering in the wilderness trying to work out their obedience to God.

Josh 5:13-15

Crossed the Jordan, approaching Jericho w/large army

A man appeared before them w/his sword drawn.

Joshua asks him- are you for us or against us? NO!

Joshua is standing before a large army and bows down before one lone swordsman. Why?

In- Bible- angels do not allow men to worship them.

This man does not stop Joshua from bowing before him- I believe this is- OT appearance of the Christ.

Remember- Joshua is-

Gods man,

leading Gods people,

into Gods promises,

in Gods timing, but-

-when Joshua says to God are you for us,

He says NO- what do you mean NO?

We have- mindset- if we ask God into our life one time-He will be on our side for the rest of our lives

Did you ever play backyard baseball, select two captains- then they pick team players. Do you think Jesus is standing in that group saying, please, pick me, I want to be on your team?