Reply To: Purpose and Identity 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Pchris]

MY REPLY TO BEN
I totally agree with your words, especially your last point that states that ‘ fear opposes one’s faith’.
Indeed fear hinders faith, in that fulfilling purpose requires trust. Often in what’s unseen and unclear. Fear competes with faith, making people doubt God’s ability to guide equip and use them. It casts doubt on God’s character.
Fear is not from God, it weakens purpose while faith strengthens it.
Fear is not just an emotion , it is a throne if not cast down , it will begin to rule , subtly replacing divine instructions with logical hesitation.
Take Saul’s case for instance in ( 1 Samuel 15:24 ” I feared the people and obeyed their voice” ) he confessed. This fear cost him his kingship. Fear often times disguises itself as diplomacy or wisdom , but it’s root is rebellion.
Saul’s failure wasn’t ignorance , it was fear induced compromise. He partially obeyed God , keeping what seemed good and excused his actions as an act of worship.
Fear replaces divine guidance with people pleasing and this subtle shift is enough to disqualify one from fulfilling purpose.
When it comes to fulfilling purpose, fear tells you what’s ahead is too big , forgetting that the one who has called you is bigger. Fear neutralizes the voice of purpose . A person gripped with fear becomes a double minded person , unstable in all his ways ( James 1:6-8), such a man scripture says ” should not expect anything from the Lord”, including the fullness of purpose.
The enemy knows he cannot stop God’s plan , but he also knows that if he can make you fear the plan, then you will abort it yourself.
Faith , courage and a renewed mind in Christ are keys to overcoming fear and walking fully in purpose.