"Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scoripions." Ezekiel 2:6
Fear can have a paralyzing affect on an individual, even someone that has faith. More than that, fear and worry can become the controlling factors in life. I've met individuals who's lives were dominated by fear. A quick example, I have a friend who is deathly afraid of flying. Because of that fear, he is limited in his ability to experience life. It is challenging for us to get together at work related classes or seminars because of that fear of flying.
Although there are many types and degrees of fear, the fear I believe the Lord is talking about in this verse is a fear of public judgement or discrimination, which I believe affects even the strongest in faith. Public opinion, or what others think about me, is a huge motivating factor IN the world today.
The Lord tells us in this verse that even though we live among scorpions, life threatening and venomous creatures, we are not to be afraid. Even when those around us are causing pain, causing humiliation and public disregard, we are to remain steadfast in our faith, confidence and belief in the Lord. He is our rock, our shelter, our great protector and has brought victory over the enemy and sin. To be in fear is to be out of Spirit, for the strength of the Spirit always, not sometimes, always defeats the enemy. Jesus went to the cross to ensure that we would always win.
When the enemy is engaged in a full out attack, remember these words of the Lord to Ezekiel, Do not be afraid.
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