Fear Is Not an Option

Driving down the highway recently, I passed an 18-wheeler with the words “Fear Is Not An Option” on the back of the truck cab. I thought this was an unusual statement and I started mulling it over in my mind. If fear is not an option, then what choice do we have?

We could allow fear to control our will and emotions, or instead, let the peace of God rule our hearts and minds. Colossians 3:15 explains,

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. (AMPC)

Throughout the Bible, the Lord told His people over and over again “Don’t be afraid or discouraged.” With Christ on our side, we have no reason to fear anything in this world.

There is a certainty we will not live our entire life without facing any troubles. No one, including you and I, are invincible. However, Jesus said,

"In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." (John 16:33 MSG)

The real problem starts when we allow our minds to get off track and our hearts to fill up with fear. It is so easy for fear to slip up on a person with no warning. In the midst of being confronted with a major difficulty in life, fear can overcome us. The enemy is right there to help us analyze every possible detail of the situation.

If we stop and listen to all the lies, we will almost begin to agree with him and believe the Lord is powerless to intervene on our behalf. The fact is there is nothing too big for God. Even that ominous rock standing in our way looks minute through His eyes. The size of the mountain is not important to Him.

Just read what happened to the unfruitful fig tree Jesus encountered one day. Matthew 21:18-22 says,

In the early dawn the next morning, as He was coming back to the city, He was hungry. And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once? And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive. (AMPC)

Faith is the key to overcoming the fear of defeat in any area. Though we may still find ourselves consumed with fear, we can begin confessing God’s Word every day. This, in return, will build our confidence to believe Him in faith. In Jeremiah 23:29, God told Jeremiah the prophet,

Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]? (AMPC)

There is a Scripture for that specific thing you and I fear. One area, in particular, I have battled with is fear of the night and having someone break into my house while I sleep. So, I pray, When I lie down, I will not be afraid; yes, I will lie down and my sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24, paraphrase mine).

I think this puts it best, “faith is believing what God says. Fear is believing what the devil says.”

Remember, fear is not an option!

Copyright © Byron Bohnert, used with permission.