In my walk with the Lord and in ministry pursuit, I have noticed that there were a lot of new grounds I broke into that often showed forth as fear. Sometimes, I would tell myself, “may be God is asking me to stop.” At other times, I would convince myself that, “this is nothing but the devil trying to hinder me from partaking of the best of God.” In all, I have learnt to differentiate between STOP and FEAR.

Friend, how do you differentiate between STOP and FEAR? How do you decipher between when God is asking you to STOP a move and when the devil is trying to cripple you with fear? The truth is, a lot of people have missed divine opportunities and greatness in destiny because they misconstrued fear for stop. Be it in ministry, marriage, career pursuit, business moves etc., if you don’t know how to discern voices (of God /stop or the devil/fear), you would operate lesser than God has ordained for you.

The first thing I want you to know today is that God does not lead you by fear; “for God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Anytime you sense fear, know that the devil is at work. You need to cast off that fear by assuring yourself of the love and fatherhood of God (1 John 4:18). You need to stir up the life of God on your inside as you pray in the Spirit and regain your rest in God (Isaiah 28:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:6, Jude 1:20).

The second thing to note is this; when it is STOP, you would often find a scriptural guidance to leverage which would often end in peace (Psalms 119:165, Isaiah 28:11-13, 32:17). I believe strongly that as God orders our steps, He also orders our STOPS (Psalms 37:23). The same way He orders our steps, is the same way He orders our STOPS; not in fear or agitation, but in quiet assurance of His purpose and counsels for us, and the communication of His undying love (2 Timothy 1:7).

As you go into this new month, I sense in my spirit that there are a lot of things packaged for you this last quarter of the year, and the devil would want to throw his fiery darts of fear. This is why God is sending this word your way so that you would not be crippled or demobilized in life and destiny. There are some things that you have got to do afraid, without which you would not sense the presence and faithfulness of God (Psalms 23:4-6).

Like Peter, I encourage you to step into the waters of your destiny. Peter needed to convince himself that he heard Jesus right, even though the voice of fear was telling him to stop (Matthew 14:28-29). He defied the fear, moved towards the voice of destiny and he did what no one has done before! I see you breaking records this new month and quarter! I see you stepping into the greatness ordained you by God! I see you fulfilling your destiny unhindered! Welcome to a brand new month! Have Dominion!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria