Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV): But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name. You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:2-3 then continues, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...'
Like Moses passing through the Red Sea, and the sea waters did not overwhelm him, so is the Lord's assurance for you today, if you look to Him and trust Him. Moses eventually reached 'the other side', and I believe you will be too!
Therefore, if you are going through a trial (or 'high waves', or 'fire') in your life at the moment, fear not! And if you are taking up a new venture that God has 'opened' for you, fear not, even if you feel inadequate (or 'not up to it') right now.
Or if you suddenly feel fearful (afraid), troubled, anxious, worried, or depressed (even for no apparent reasons) in recent days, fear not! Because you aren't alone here. There has been a very thick atmosphere of fear hovering around in the spiritual realm recently. Take authority in Jesus' name, and bind this spirit of fear! There is enough power from on high to push back all that the enemy has thrown against God's people! Tap into this power from on high, and stand strong in His victory!
These are the words I heard from the Lord during a time of prayer recently:
"Fear not! This is not a time to fear! If you allow fear to overwhelm you, you'll be incapacitated for what I am going to do this time and season!"
Note: The word 'incapacitated' means 'to be made unable, to be weakened, or to be disabled (to do something)'.
In John 14:27, Jesus gave this assurance, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
In Mark 4:35-41, as Jesus and His disciples were crossing over to 'the other side', a great windstorm arose, and the (high) waves beat into the boat they were in, so that it was already filling. Jesus then arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. He then said to the disciples, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they then said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
People of God, know that He is the same One who can calm the windstorm and the high waves around your 'boat' today. The Bible says 'He is the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8), and so, of whom (or what) shall you fear? (Psalm 27:1-3). His faith is enough for you!
I then heard further:
"This is not a time to shrink! This is a time to receive a double portion of My faith!"
It means what you have, He wants to give you double. The Lord is saying something very crucial here for these last days - not to recede, but to continue to advance (even in the midst of increasing persecution or challenges on this earth). He will enable you. He will empower you. It is not you, but Him. It will be supernatural. It is by His ability, supply, and power. The final victory is at hand (see Revelation 19:1-21).
This is also a time to stir up the gift of God in you. In 2 Timothy 1:5-7, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, '...when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you, through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear (timidity, faithlessness), but of power and of love and of a sound mind'.
So, if you have the gift of an evangelist, this is the time to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ all the more! And if you have the gift of healing, this is the time to heal the sick with even greater vigour! And the list goes on, whatever spiritual gift (or gifts) the Lord has bestowed upon you (see 1 Corinthians 12).
You see, the context of 2 Timothy 1:5-7 here is about 'faith', and the faith to stir up the gift of God by using it all the more (even in the midst of increasing persecution or challenges)! Likewise, the Lord is also saying the same to you and I (His precious sons and daughters) in these last days.
And know also that He will help you for sure, wherever (and whatever) He has purposed for you on this earth! Read now what Jesus Himself says, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide (stay, remain) with you forever - The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans (comfortless); I will come to you." (John 14:16-18)
The redeemed of the Lord (see Isaiah 43:1 again) shall be strong! Therefore, people of God, continue to receive the impartation of faith and boldness (from on high) for these last days, and be strong (and stay strong) in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). May you continue to receive the strength and sustenance (from on high) for every good work that He has called you to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
