The secret to looking fear in the Eye

 Read Isaiah 7.

Sensing that the kingdom of Judah was vulnerable, the northern kingdoms of Israel and Syria joined forces to attack Jerusalem.  Ahaz, King of Judah, buckled in fear.  But God intervened and sent Isaiah with His message.  There were instructions on several levels, all to give the king courage and hope.  At its root, what Ahaz faced is not unlike the daily confrontations and temptations with which we all have.

Emotional (v.4)
1. Be careful.
Literally, this means to be on your guard.  It was a dangerous situation.  Take a 360 degree view and watch out for yourself.  "Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

2. Be quiet.
Our natural tendency is either to cower in silent fear or to let our emotions explode for all to hear.  In a crisis, do not lose your composure.  This is not a work of self-control as much as it requires Spirit-control.  Peace is a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts...." (Colossians 3:15)

3. Do not fear.
As hard as it is at times to reconcile, fear is a choice.  We either trust in ourselves or trust in God.  Who has the most power to help?  "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3)

4. Do not let your heart be faint.
By heart, God is referring to our innermost being.  It is who we are at the core.  We must choose to steel ourselves against crumbling inside when threatened or tempted.  Again, it is not us, but the LORD who is our strength.  Depend on Him.  He is worthy of our trust.  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10)

Spiritual (vv.7 and 9)
God bolsters His people with His promises: "It shall not stand."  In other words, the threat was only that.  The attack was not going to happen.  Most of the stuff we fear never happens anyway.  Still, Ahaz had to go to the meeting and face his worst fear in the eye.  He could have been killed on the spot.  But, God gave him the secret to his success: "If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all."  This was not going to be a test of military strength but of his personal faith.  Stand strong in faith about what the LORD said.

Prophetical (vv.8, 14)
First, in 65 years the kingdom of Israel would be overrun by Assyria and the people scattered.  The second, is a "sign" of future hope.  "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  Matthew 1:22-23 declares this prophecy's fulfillment in the birth of Jesus.  Immanuel=God is with us.  He is here.  There is no need to fear.