Title: Fear Not...
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you with my righteous right hand."
Amen, Praise God! I love this scripture. What a wonderful promise form God himself. God is with us! There is no need to fear or panic. God is powerful. He will give us strength and hold us up with his mighty righteous right hand. He’s not going to let us fail.
(Lead congregation into prayer)
Today, I would like to speak about the experience that brought me close to God, and had changed my way of thinking. As you all know, I was working for the City of ****. I was employed with the City of **** for a period of 6 months before I was let-go unexpectedly without any warning.
I’ll tell you the truth; at first I was full of anger. I could feel the anger build up inside of me. This was not something that I wanted to return home and tell my wife. I began to worry and fear filled my body. I was worried about how I was going to support my wife, and pay bills etc. I felt like everything was stacked on me. You see, fear takes our will power and leaves us feeling depressed and hopeless. All I wanted to do was go home to cry, and ask God, “Why me?" I believe we should never ask God "Why/Why me?" but I did. I felt like God left me, and I didn’t understand why.
I want to take you to a time before this took place. I would like you to know that I took a wrong turn. So here I was (before being leg-go) giving my time to God each day. If you would walk into my bedroom, you would see that I have two devotional and a Bible on my dresser. I would read a devotional, God’s Word and pray each morning when I woke up, and each night before I went to bed. The wrong turn I took was pulling away from God because I blamed Him for all this. After being let-go, I would not take the time to read the Bible or pray. I was upset all the time, and kept thinking "Here I am jobless while others just throw their jobs away."
Why was I pulling away from God? I don’t know, but I realized it wasn’t His fault. What a terrible mistake I made. I could not blame God anymore.
I finally realized that I should not be living like this. I should not be handling the situation this way ~ my way. It was time for me to submit fully to God. I told God that I knew there was a purpose and reason for this. I don’t know what it is, but I’m giving it all to you. I’m putting it in your hands Lord. I want to live for you will not mine. I began to pray for a sign so I would know that everything would be o.k. I prayed each and every day for answer through this situation.
A couple days later, I just finished praying before going to pick up my wife. I had the radio turned to K-LOVE. You may be familiar with K-LOVE. They play music to glorify God, and reach out to people across the world. As I started to drive Isaiah 41:10 was quoted on the radio station. I knew that it was for me. I felt His presence there at that very moment. I was in the car at the right time. I felt in my heart that God was telling me not to be afraid because He was with me. He would take care of everything, provide for my needs.
Some people may say that it was be coincidence or chance that I happen to be in the car at that time. I know with all my heart that it was not some big coincidence or chance thing. There is no such thing as chance. God is not a God of coincidence! God is not a God of chance! He is Sovereign, He is Holy, and He is always in control. I was there at the right time, and the right moment. For God is never late! God is always on time! God is perfect! (Amen!)
Now I know it’s not about ME. It’s all about one and one only, GOD ALMIGHTY. I know that it’s not my will I should be living for. It’s for God’s will, and His honor and glory. (Glory Hallelujah!)
Now I am filling out applications without any worries. I know that the windows of heaven are going to open wide and God’s going to bless me with a better job that I can ever imagine. When I fill out an application, I pray to God and ask Him to allow me to have that job only if it is Your will. If it’s not Your will then I don’t want it, and don’t allow me to have it. (Praise God!)
I know we all have been through situations where there is nowhere to turn and we just want to give up. Let me tell you, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done God still loves you. He loves you more than you can ever imagine. He still welcomes you with open arms. You may be afraid at time, but don’t let fear over come you. We have nothing to fear when we humble ourselves and surrender to God. The Bible tells us, "God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillippians 4:19) The Scriptures also tell us, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper..." (Isaiah 54:17) I am not saying it’s going to be easy. It’s not! If Jesus did not have it easy, why should we?
I challenge you today to humble yourselves before God, and lay all your troubles upon Him. The altar is open. The Lord is looking for that someone to step out of their comfort zone and submit their selves to Him. Don’t hold back! God knows you are in pain...BUT, are you will to allow Him to take control. Who is willing to let God take that pain away? Who is going to to give God that one chance? God has the power to heal you like no man nor anyone else can. ONLY GOD!!
Invitation to Jesus
GOD BLESS!!
