God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.
I have read this so many times. I have heard it even MORE times! But, the way it hit me today is fresh and new. Take a peek in The Passion Translation.
It is SO good! Take a look at it:
“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.”
The footnotes in The Passion Translation explain this spirit of fear as being a fear of others. This is one contributing factor, but there is more. The original Greek word means “cowardice or timidity or reticence.”
Let’s think about those for a moment…
Cowardice is an ignoble fear in the face of danger or pain. It is a “need” for courage when facing danger, difficulty, or opposition. It is the dread of facing harm or pain. It is a fear of facing consequences.
Timidity means that one has a “character” of being timid or easily frightened or daunted. It is a fearfulness. I can’t seem to get around the part of the definition that says that it is a “character” quality. Think about that. More in a moment about it.
Reticence means that we keep our counsel to ourselves or keep silent or hold our tongue.
My sweet friend, this is not how God designed for us to live–fearful, cowardly, timid, reticent.
This is not our position in life.
This is not the life that is ours in Christ.
This is not the “life” that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).
It is so opposite of what God wants for us! He never will give us a spirit of fear. It will not be our character. It will not be our “ways” or our “consequences” in this life.
No.
“The Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.”
Yes!
Now, there we go!
Power which supernatural, miraculous power! “Dunamijj” is that same power that resurrected Jesus from the grave–in us! That power that is manifested in ability, abundance, meaning, might, power, strength, violence, and mighty or wonderful work. This means that the Holy Spirit gives us strength and power. He gives us an ability to do whatever we need to do. This power is not subject to situations. It is an “inherent” power that lives within us simply virtue of our new identity and God’s beloved child. He gives us a power that is performs miracles. Think of it as a power that is consisting in and resting upon the God Who is living inside of you Who is the God over the angel armies. It is a power over everything that concerns you—power and influence morally, power over your soul, power over riches and wealth. In this power, there is nothing to fear, dread, or shy back from. There is a new identity and a new character that is infused within. This is a power that we simply must share and preach!
Love in this passage is from the word, “agape“. It is a deep love that comes from relationship—your relationship and identity as God’s beloved child. This means that whatever you face, you can face it in absolute confidence that you are loved, protected, provided for, and seated. Your are beloved, esteemed, dear, favored (actually favorite!), and worthy of love. Think about this—you are dearly and well loved. The Source of this love is our Heavenly Father—Who is Source of ALL. When He sees you, He sees Jesus. Someone said it this way, “Jesus is what God believes about you.” Think about that! The same love that He has for Jesus, He has for you! The same power He gives to Jesus, He gives to you. The same relationship He has for Jesus, He intends for YOU! The Holy Spirit gives this kind of love to you! Love that can get you through the most difficult of trial, suffering, or loss. Love that comforts you in your most devastating loss. Love that fuels your calling and life purpose. Love!
Self-control in this passage comes from the word “swfronismoj,” which means discipline, sound mind, and self-control. It means that we have a calling or admonishing to soundness of mind. We are moderate—we avoid extremes or excesses. We are temperant, operating within reasonable limits. We don’t indulge fears, pressures, or even insulting challenges. We don’t take the bait when fear comes at us. We are rock-solid in spirit, soul, and body regardless of what goes on around us.
Put this all together…
The Amplified Bible translates this verse well:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
The Message says it this way,
“God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.”
In a world that has been under attack by a “spirit of fear” for this whole past year, we have a great message to share. As we focus upon who we are, Whose we are, and what is ours, then we can operate in a whole different realm.
I invite you to come away for a bit–take some time to rest, refresh in the Word. Soak in these truths.
This is who you are.
This is what is yours.
This is your character.
Don’t let yourself get caught in the frenzy to trying to KNOW what is going on—God is on His throne, He sees ALL, and He has your very best in mind for you and all that concerns you. He has not left you alone either–His Holy Spirit is living inside of you with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, granting victory over all sin and all death. God has not given us a spirit of fear–but of power, love and a sound mind!
You are BLESSED—that means that you live in a beyondness that is positioned above and beyond any of life’s situations. So far beyond that it is beyond your comprehension, so far beyond understanding, so far beyond or outside of the reach or limits or boundaries of understanding. Think about that!
If you haven’t already, it’s time to step into the fullness of your identity. It is time for you to access this deposit of your inheritance that is already available for you to access.
Sink your roots in DEEP so the winds of adversity don’t uproot you and knock you down.
Get ready. Be strong and very courageous. Your eternity is here, now, and forever. You are enfolded—wrapped up, surrounded, one—in Christ Jesus! You are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus!
Access all that is YOURS!
God has not given us a spirit of fear. God doesn’t want for you to be shy with His gifts. You are His beloved. It is His delight to give you this life—abundant, full, overflowing, lavish!
On my email list? OH! Don’t miss it!
Join here and receive access to my newest teaching, The Power of an Hour. This will be your most powerful year ever!
Http://CindyRushton.Com/StayConnected
