John F Avanzini - Overcoming the seven deadly fears

Overcoming the Seven Deadly Fears

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25

A quick reading of the first thirty-three verses of the Book of Job reveals the terrible things that happened to Job. Sabeans stole his oxen and asses (1:14,15), lightning destroyed his sheep, as well as his servants (1:16), Chaldeans took his camels (1:17), a tornado blew down the house, killing his sons and daughters (1:18), festering boils broke out all over his body (2:7) and if that wasn't enough, in frustration, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die (2:9). The final blow came when his friends gathered around, not to comfort him, but you guessed it, to accuse him (2:11).

The Doorway of Fear

It is evident that the primary cause of Job's misery was the devil. However, note that Job opened the door of opportunity for Satan to enter. Scripture tells us that every evil which befell Job came to him through fear.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25

When you fully understand the following verse, you will see that Job had no reason to fear that God would take away the things He had given him.

... the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Romans 11:29

It is important to notice that of all the wonderful things God gave to Job, fear was definitely not one of them. The Scripture states clearly that fear does not come from God.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is a Negative Magnet

As Jesus went to heal the young ruler's daughter, messengers came from the ruler's house bringing bad news.

While he yet spake , there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogues house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Luke 8:49

Notice how quickly our Lord warned the young ruler not to allow fear to overtake him.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Luke 8:50

Jesus understood that if the young ruler began to fear, he would give Satan the opportunity to steal one of his most valuable possessions, his little daughter.

Fear actually draws disaster to you. Anytime you allow fear into your life, the windows of heaven close, and the gates of hell swing wide open.

Fear Kills

The following scripture drew my attention to the killing power of fear.

Mens hearts failing them for fear....

Luke 21:26

Yes, there are fears that can destroy a person's will to live, or his ability to take action against the plan of the devil.

You Have Nothing to Fear

Here's the good news! You don't have to fear Satan. When you stand on God's Word, the devil doesn't have a chance against you. God says He will take up residence in you and make you greater than the evil one.

... greater is he [God] that is in you, than he [the devil] that is in the world.

1 John 4:4

Keep in mind that Jesus is not in you just on Sunday morning during the church service; He is permanently with you.

... I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:5

The Seven Deadly Fears

The fears that attach themselves to mankind are too numerous to list. However, seven are so devastating, I must classify them as deadly.

These seven types of fear can quickly bring an end to every worthwhile thing you desire for your life, but you have power to overcome each one.

. The Fear of the Unknown

Mankind tends to have a morbid curiosity about the future which is evident from the millions who refuse to start their day without carefully reading their horoscopes.

This curiosity is not limited to the lost. It is all too common among God's people. In fact, any time there is even a mild stir in world events, books about prophecy immediately become best sellers.

Now don't misunderstand. A certain amount of curiosity is normal, even healthy. However, when you combine curiosity about the unknown with fear of the unknown, it can become deadly. It will affect every aspect of your life.

Powerful Weapons Exist

God has provided powerful weapons against the fear of the unknown.

First, He won't leave you ignorant of coming events. God promises He will not act in the earth without first revealing His plan to His prophets.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing but, he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

So drop the horoscope, disconnect the psychic hot line, and start listening more closely to God's preachers. The ministers who are truly hearing God will keep you up to date on His calendar of coming events.

Second, never forget that God has promised to work things to your benefit, even things that go wrong.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:28 ,31,32

Be at peace about the future. God isn't going to hurt you. Trust and obey Him, and your future will be just great! When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of the unknown under your feet. God knows exactly what is going to happen next, and He plans to make your future a good one.

... I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

2. The Fear of Death

The fear of death has tormented mankind since the beginning of time. Even to this day, the entire world is in the grip of this enemy. Let there be no mistake about it. Death does not discriminate. The Scripture even declares:

... it is appointed unto men once to die....

Hebrews 9:27

However, to the born-again believer, there is no reason to fear death.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he [Jesus] also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14-15

Not only has our Lord delivered us from the fear of death, He has also removed the pain of death.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

When you place your full confidence in the Word of God, you will quickly place the fear of death under your feet. Don't let it interfere with God's plan for your life, for Jesus has completely conquered death.

... I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

3. The Fear of Man

The fear of man can literally paralyze you. However, God says He will keep you safe from anything that evil men might try to bring against you.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe [from men].

Proverbs 29:25

Remember, as God's child, you are never alone. God promises to always be with you and protect you so that you never have to fear what men try to do to you.

... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.