Do Not Fear People & Their Plans! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3, ESV)
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Introduction
The world today is consumed by fear. People are afraid of the unknown, terrified of impending global disasters, and overwhelmed by the plans of those in power. But as believers, we are called not to succumb to this fear. Instead, we are to live in the peace and assurance that comes from trusting in God. This message is a reminder that while the world may be gripped by anxiety and fear, we are called to live above it, rooted in the unshakable peace of the Almighty God.
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The Fear of People and Their Plans
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
The fear that dominates the world today is rooted in the plans of men. Whether it’s the threat of war, political maneuvering, or the control of media and narratives, people are being manipulated by fear. However, God’s people are not called to live in this fear. We are called to live in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of true peace. When we fear God and trust in His sovereignty, we are freed from the fear of man and their fleeting plans.
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Breaking Free from the Fear of the World
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV)
The fear that is gripping the world is not meant to control God’s people. While many are living under the dark cloud of fear, we can be thankful that we are not called to be a part of this. God promises to keep us in perfect peace as we fix our eyes on Him and trust in His sovereignty. The world may be full of manipulation, lies, and terror, but for those who belong to God, His peace surpasses all understanding.
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The Deceptiveness of Fear and Terror
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, ESV)
There is an agenda among world leaders, driven by fear and power, to manipulate the masses. People are led into terror, their minds consumed by fears of war, conflict, and the end of the world. But the true danger is not in the plans of men; the true danger is in allowing fear to control us. When we fear the world, we give in to the control of demonic forces that seek to rob us of peace, joy, and purpose. Instead, we are to keep our eyes on God and trust in His control over all things.
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Living Above Fear with God’s Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
God’s peace is not the kind that the world offers. It is not dependent on circumstances, and it does not fade in times of crisis. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts and minds. As believers, we are not meant to live in constant fear of world events or the machinations of worldly powers. We are to be agents of peace, living in the assurance that God is in control.
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Rejecting the Fear of Death and Destruction
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, NIV)
Fear of death is one of the greatest fears people face. It drives them to anxiety, panic, and hopelessness. But for believers, death has no sting, and the grave has no victory. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and have eternal life with Him. Whether we live or die, we are secure in the love and sovereignty of God. The fear of death no longer holds power over us.
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The Deception of Worldly Agendas
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV)
The plans of worldly leaders and the manipulations of the media are driven by demonic forces that seek to control and deceive. They feed into the fear of the masses, steering people away from truth and peace. As believers, we are not to be swept away by these deceptions. Instead, we are to stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, using the spiritual armor He provides to resist the schemes of the enemy.
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The Call to Live in Faith, Not Fear
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Faith is the antidote to fear. When we live by faith, we trust in God’s promises rather than the fears and manipulations of this world. Faith allows us to see beyond the present circumstances and trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see it. It is faith that gives us the courage to live boldly, to declare the truth, and to reject the lies that seek to control us.
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Conclusion: Trust in God’s Sovereignty
As believers, we are not called to live in fear of the world’s plans or the schemes of evil men. We are called to live in the peace of God, which guards our hearts and minds. The fear that is sweeping the world is not our portion. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. No matter what happens in the world, we can rest assured that God is in control. His plans are greater than the plans of men, and His peace surpasses all understanding.
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Call to Action
Today, choose to reject the fear of people and their plans. Stand firm in your faith, trust in God’s sovereignty, and walk in the peace that He offers. Let go of the fear of death, the fear of the end of the world, and the fear of the future. Live with confidence, knowing that you belong to the Creator of the universe, who holds your life in His hands.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, God is with you always. He is your refuge and your strength. Do not be moved by the fear and terror that is gripping the world. Trust in Him, and He will keep you in perfect peace.
