Refuse to Fear
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Matthew 17:5-7)
The transfiguration was not just an incredible display of God’s glory; it was also a moment when Jesus reassured His followers not to be afraid. This wasn’t the first time He said it to them, and it wouldn’t be the last. Time and again, whether facing storms, being on mountains, meeting at gravesides, or experiencing moments of intense glory, Jesus consistently tells His people the same thing: “Do not be afraid.” But the devil whispers the opposite: “Be very afraid.” You’ve probably heard the devil's voice, but you might not have recognized it. It often sounds like logical thoughts pushing you away from doing what God has commanded. Logic told these men to be afraid because of the glory shown on Jesus. Logic told Peter to be afraid as he walked on water, with the wind and waves still crashing around him.
Fear and faith both believe strongly, but in opposite outcomes. Fear always expects the worst to happen. Faith trusts that the Word will come to pass regardless of the surrounding circumstances. You must make a decision and declare that you will not fear. Do not let fear control your life. It doesn’t matter what you see, hear, or what others are saying. Decide to stand on the side of faith. How do you do that when the storm is still raging?
You keep listening to the Word. You keep speaking by faith.
The moment you stop prioritizing hearing the Word and teachings on faith is when you see fear try to take hold of your life.
Practical Application
To refuse fear, you must also refuse to react immediately to situations. Respond in faith; do not react out of emotion or fear. Avoid making decisions under pressure or panic. Pause, follow peace, and never move out of fear.
Luke 24:5; Acts 9:6