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  FEAR NOT
  by Warren Wiersbe
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Summary: We can overcome fear by looking to the Lord for help and
strength, and trusting in His sovereignty.

Topics: "Overcoming Fear", "Faith And Trust"
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 20:8, Psalm 33:10, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 8:26

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DESCRIPTION
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Warren Wiersbe delivers a sermon on overcoming fear by emphasizing the
detrimental effects of fear, such as paralysis and discouragement. He
draws parallels from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous quote and
highlights the importance of faith over fear, citing Matthew 8:26.
Wiersbe uses Nehemiah's leadership as an example, showing how
preparedness, unity, and trust in the Lord can dispel fear and deter the
enemy. By focusing on God's strength and sovereignty, Wiersbe encourages
listeners to stand firm without fear, knowing that God's plans will
prevail, as seen in Psalms 33:10-11.

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CONTENT
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In his First Inaugural Address, on March 4, 1933, President Franklin
Delano Roosevelt said to a nation in the grip of an economic depression,
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Why? Because fear
paralyzes you, and fear is contagious and paralyzes others. Fear and
faith cannot live together in the same heart. "Why are you fearful, O
you of little faith?" (Matt. 8:26) Frightened people discourage others
and help bring defeat (Deut. 20:8).

Nehemiah's first step was to post guards at the most conspicuous and
vulnerable places on the wall. The enemy could then see that the Jews
were prepared to fight. He armed entire families, knowing that they
would stand together and encourage one another.

After looking the situation over, Nehemiah encouraged the people not to
be afraid but to look to the Lord for help. If we fear the Lord, we need
not fear the enemy. Nehemiah's heart was captivated by the "great and
terrible" God of Israel (4:14; see 1:5), and he knew that God was strong
enough to meet the challenge. He also reminded the people that they were
fighting for their nation, their city, and their families. When the
enemy learned that Jerusalem was armed and ready, they backed off
(4:15). God had frustrated their plot. "The Lord brings the counsel of
the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all
generations" (Ps. 33:10-11). It is good to remind ourselves that the
will of God comes from the heart of God and that we need not be afraid.

A promise: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I
am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with
my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10, niv).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/warren-wiersbe/fear-not/
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