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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Warren Wiersbe (1929 - Present)
Warren W. Wiersbe is best known as a Bible teacher, author, and conference speaker. He has ministered in churches and conferences in Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and the United States. He has published more than 150 books and was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.He is known as a "pastors' pastor," and his speaking,writing and radio ministries have brought new understanding of the truths of God's Word to people around the world. Wiersbe is perhaps best known for his series of 50 books in the "BE" series: Be Real, Be Rich, Be Obedient, Be Mature, Be Joyful, etc. and other theological works.
Warren Wendel Wiersbe is an American pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker and a prolific writer of Christian literature and theological works.
A contributing editor to Baker Book House. He has been writing books since the 1950s under several publishing house labels; completing more then 150 books including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible which has sold over four million copies.
Warren Wiersbe was awarded two honorary Doctorate Degrees and has accumulated in his personal library more than 10,000 books; some times referred to as "the pastor's pastor", Dr. Wiersbe has become a well known and trusted Bible theologian and scholar throughout Fundamental and Evangelical circles.
Warren W. Wiersbe is a well known international Bible conference teacher with a heart for missions and is a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago.
He served for ten years as General Director and Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible. Dr. Wiersbe is author of more than 80 books, including the best-selling "BE" series.
He is known as a "pastors' pastor," and his speaking,writing and radio ministries have brought new understanding of the truths of God's Word to people around the world.