4:228 – Surviving Through Fear

#faithbites #faithjourney surviving

Setting

I am often afraid of the future. I don’t know what will happen even though I know that God is on my side. A friend posted this image on Facebook this morning and it inspired me. We often pray for fear to go away so that we can achieve our goals. The fact is, it may never fully leave us but it doesn’t stop of from surviving. We can use that fear to move forward. Our faith in God is strong and he tells us that we have nothing to fear. Though we want no fear, just like we want no pain, how can we use the fear we have to move forward?

Today’s Question: Does fear paralyze you? How do you move forward when you are still afraid?

Scripture

• Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
• Psalm 118:6 “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
• 1 Chronicles 28:20: “David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”
• 1 Peter 3:13-14 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Reflection

The first three verses tell us to be strong, courageous, and take refuge in the Lord. If God is on our side, whom shall we fear. This is the strength we all want. But, how do we go about surviving if we still have fear. This can be found in 1 Peter 3:13-14, where Peter says, “even if you should suffer for what is right”. In this phrase, he knows it’s not going to be easy. We are going to have trials and tribulations, but it doesn’t stop us. We shouldn’t let the fear overwhelm us as we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

I needed this today. I am suffering through fear and anxiety about going back to work, the kids in school, potential changes in the future, and more. It’s not easy, but I can’t just stand still and wait. I have to move forward. It’s time to kick fear to the back burner and realize, Jesus, conquered the world. The things I have to do are small potatoes compared to that.

As we close, we don’t have to stop and wait for the fear to subside and go away completely. It can still be there in the background even if we know God is with us. Let his strength overpower the fear so we can thrive!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your strength and forgiveness. We need that during the times that we are afraid. Lord, e pray that you kick our fear to the curb and let us do the work you have for us. We also pray that even if the fear isn’t gone, that you shower us with your love, protection, and support to overcome the remaining fear and conquer all things. We ask this in your name, Amen.