He Will Carry You Through the Fire

Facing Your Fears with God's Strength

We all experience fears of various kinds — fears about the future, about relationships, about work and finances, about our health, or about the ones we love, perhaps even fears about falling away from Christ. These fears often emerge and linger because we don’t know how to fight them. We feel helpless and powerless before their threats.

When fears arise, how do you respond? When bills pile up, do you let them consume your thoughts? Or do you push them far out of your mind? When layoffs are happening at work, and your job is in jeopardy, do you isolate yourself? Or do you take the stress out on your family? When health concerns emerge, do you distract yourself with shopping or entertainment? Or do you fall back into an old pattern of sin? Fear often leads us everywhere but to God.

In moments of fear and uncertainty, we need to turn our gaze towards God. We need to remember that He is with us, and He will carry us through the fire. Just as He promised Joshua in the Bible:

Joshua 1:9 (ESV):

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

God's promise to Joshua applies to us as well. He commands us to be strong and courageous, reminding us that He is always with us, no matter where we go. We need to trust in His presence and His power to overcome our fears.

Finding Strength in God's Word

One of the ways we can find strength in the face of fear is by immersing ourselves in God's Word. The Bible is filled with verses that assure us of God's faithfulness and His ability to carry us through any trial or tribulation. For example:

• Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."


• Psalm 34:4 (ESV): "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."


• Psalm 94:19 (ESV): "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."

These verses remind us that God is with us, ready to strengthen and help us. When we seek Him, He will answer us and deliver us from our fears. His consolations will bring cheer to our souls, even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.

Trusting in God's Faithfulness

Trusting in God's faithfulness is another key to overcoming fear. We can look back at the stories of God's faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives. The Bible is filled with accounts of how God delivered His people from their fears and carried them through the fire.

Think of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, parting the Red Sea for them to cross on dry land. Or how He protected Daniel in the lion's den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. These stories serve as a reminder that God is always faithful to His promises and He will never abandon us.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus calming the storm with just a word and walking on water. These miracles show us that Jesus has power over every fear and every circumstance. We can trust in His power to carry us through the fire.

Seeking God's Presence and Prayer

Finally, seeking God's presence through prayer is essential in facing our fears. Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God, pouring out our fears and anxieties before Him. The Bible encourages us to bring our requests to God:

• Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."


• Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

Through prayer, we can find peace that surpasses understanding. We can cast our burdens upon the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us and keep us secure. Prayer allows us to surrender our fears to God and trust in His provision and protection.

Conclusion

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, remember that God is with you. He is your strength, your help, and your refuge. He will carry you through the fire, just as He did for Joshua, the Israelites, and countless others throughout history. Trust in His promises, immerse yourself in His Word, and seek His presence through prayer. Let go of your fears and embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control.

As you face the challenges of this year and the future, may you find comfort in the words of Jesus:

John 16:33 (ESV):

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Take heart, for Jesus has overcome the world. He will carry you through the fire.