Joel Osteen - I Will Not Fear

If you're going to stay in faith and not let life changed who you are, you're going to have to put your foot down and say with David, "I will not fear", because fear is going to keep knocking at the door. When fear knocks, you have to answer with faith: I will not fear! I'm not saying that we won't feel fear, because fear is a human emotion. I'm saying: don't let that spirit of fear take over where you shrink back, and you quit living, you quit going after your dreams, you quit enjoying your family. You're too worried, on edge of what might happen? What could go wrong? That's a spirit of fear, trying to keep you from your destiny.

Listen to David's attitude, Psalm 27:1-5, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord protects me from danger, why should I be afraid? When evil people come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, I will remain confident. For in my time of trouble God, will hide me." That's what God did for us last Sunday, he hid us. Where would we be without the mercy and protection of our God? How can we thank him enough for what could have happened, for we have seen the goodness of God, sparing us from all kinds of heartache and pain?

When fear comes, switch over into faith. When negative memories come up, wanting to remind you of all the heartache, disappointment, change that channel. I refuse to let this building be a symbol of hurt, terror and panic. I changed the channel. This is a place of faith, this is a place of victory. I see it full of people who are blessed, strong, healthy, generous, victorious. I see us worshiping, celebrating, bringing hope to the world. Keep the right picture playing in your mind.

When thoughts of fear, worry and anxiety come, recognize: that's the enemy trying to lead you away from the still waters, get you upset, live on edge. No, go back to where God is leading you. Isaiah 30:15 said, "In quietness and stillness shall be your strength". The opposite is true: worry, fear, anxiety, that's taking your strength, draining your energy, your joy, your passion. You have to quiet your soul, come back to a place of peace. That's when you'll feel strength, confidence, joy, even in the midst of a difficult time.

The enemy always attacks when he knows something greater is in store. You may be in a dark valley today, dealing with a sickness, a loss, a waver child. God sees what you're going through. He knows the hurt, who did you wrong, what wasn't fair. That's not how your story ends. You've seen the shadow, now get ready for the surely. God never brings you out the same, he makes the enemy pay for bringing the trouble.

Come on, let's keep moving forward, our greatest days are still in front of us. Let me tell you: this setback is setting us up to go further, to shine brighter, to see the fullness of our destinies. The enemy did his best, but his best was not enough. We're still standing, victors and never victims, we will not fear, in Jesus' name. And if you receive it, can you say amen?