For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:9

The world loves to instill fear and many love to be made afraid, even when they don’t like being afraid of something. Look at the number of horror movies made to bring about fear. Instilling fear is also a tactic that the enemy will use to get someone to stop or change directions. Most people will freeze up in a moment of fear and uncertainty.

Sanballat had made a lot of false rumors to discourage and make the Israelites fearful to get them to stop rebuilding the wall. Nehemiah recognized this and said that all they were doing is lying to make them weak and stop the work.

Fear is something that believers are not to have at all in their hearts or minds, yet many will have it on a regular basis. They will fear that the world will attack them or ridicule them for their beliefs. They fear that they will not accomplish what God has called them to do. They fear that they will not be smart enough, strong enough or wise enough to do what is needed to be done.

Satan knows that fear will paralyze a person and get one to stop working or to change directions. He will use whatever lies or tactics he can to instill fear in the believer and cause them to sin against God by not doing what they are to do.

Every believer needs to remember that God is love, perfect love. Then remember that perfect love casts out all fear. God has given every believer what is needed to accomplish the task that He has given them and nothing the world can do or say can overcome.

There may be some lies or rumors that you are hearing, physically or in your own mind, that is raising fear in your heart. Do not allow those fears to rise up and cause you to freeze up and stop the work you are to do. Do not believe the lies of the world but believe what God has said.

Focus your eyes and heart upon the love of God and know who He is and what He has already done for you. God can and will give you the strength to finish the work He has for you to do.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know the love God has for you; that God will open your eyes to the lies of the enemy; that you will finish the work God has given you to accomplish; and God will fill you with His strength and boldness.