Giants in Our Lives Two Perspectives 1 Sam. 17:11, 24 On whom or on what shall you focus? 1 Sam. 17:26

Focus on Giants Brings Fear, which is Death to our spirits Focus on God Brings Faith, which is Life to our spirits OR A Whole Land Of Giants Fear makes us exaggerate. We Cry, Complain, Doubt and Rebel because of fear.

The Clear Choice! “So without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6 Take God at His Word, choosing faith over fear.

Though the fig tree shall not blossom, and the vine shall not have fruit Though the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; Though the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyfull in the God of my salvation. Hab. 3:17, 18

Why We Can Chose Faith Take Risks! Take Steps! Trust and Obey! Make a Memorial to God!

What We have Learned So Far  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  You have the choice to obey or rebel.  Take God at His Word, choosing faith over fear.  Rejoice in the Lord no matter what.  Make your Life a Memorial to God.

Overcoming Fear

Elisha’s Vision 2 Kings 6:8-17 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

Elisha’s Vision 2 Kings 6:8-17 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?" “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

Elisha’s Vision 2 Kings 6:8-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Why was Elisha’s servant Afraid?  A strong force came against them. (vs.14)  They were surrounded. (vs.15)

The Most Common Command  DON’T BE AFRAID!  FEAR NOT!  DO NOT FEAR!  366 times

 Flee  Fight  Hide

HOT! DON’T TOUCH! GOOD FEAR

BAD FEAR "Fear is the path to the dark side.” Yoda, Star Wars

What is the high cost of living in fear?  Loss of Self-esteem  Loss of Destiny  Loss of Joy  Loss of Authentic Intimacy  Loss of Availability to God

What to do when we are Afraid?  Pray – And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” (vs.17)  Focus – “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (vs.16)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Reflection  What strong force is coming against you in you life right now?  What circumstances are causing you to feel surrounded?  What are your losses, personally, for living in fear instead of faith?  What next step do you need to take in order to keep your mind fixed on Jesus?