Luke 12:32 says, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Most of the time when I’ve heard teaching on this scripture, the emphasis is on how God takes pleasure in giving us the kingdom. I agree that this is a great teaching. In fact, I often tell God, “Make Yourself happy!”
Let’s take a look at the command in the first part of this verse, “Do not fear.” Fear is not from God. Fear is from the devil. As Christians we are commanded, “Do not fear.”
Once, after teaching a lesson on fear, a gentleman approached me and told me that it was impossible for him to live without fear. When I asked him why, his response was, “There is so much around me every day that looks like impending disaster, that I am in a constant state of worry. You would be too, if you had to look at the circumstances I see daily.”
One of this man’s major problems in getting rid of fear is that he was not operating in faith. Let me explain. Faith will eliminate fear. Fear is based on what we see and what we hear. Faith is based on what God says and what we believe. If we truly believe God’s Word, then it would be impossible for fear to enter our minds or our hearts.
Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
Yes, we know that afflictions do come against the righteous of God. However, our faith is not to be in the affliction, but in the deliverance. Actually, our faith is in the Deliverer Himself.
If you know that God said He would deliver the righteous, and if you know that you are the righteous, and if you know that God doesn’t lie, then why in the world would you fear? The only room that fear has to work in is the empty space where faith should be. In with the faith and out with the fear!
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.