I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:4-5, NIV

If we’re being honest, we can all admit that we fear something. I will go first: fear is one of my biggest obstacles.

Recently, one of my closest friends drew back in surprise when I confessed this to our small group Bible study.

“You, fearful?” she gasped. “You do so many things! You travel and speak publicly; you write books and witness to strangers about the love of God. You have faced many trials and unknowns. What are you afraid of?”

“All of those things” I answered.

I fear new things, the unknown, change, going to new places, and doing things I have never done before, but there is an underlying fear for those fears—the fear of letting God down or failure.

So what have I learned to do that keeps me typing and boarding airplanes? I have learned that when fear gets a grip on me, something wonderful is about to happen and Satan is not happy about it. I have learned that the only real failure is not trying at all. I have learned that God desires BIG princes and princesses to wear crowns in Heaven, not weak-willed wimps. I have learned that facing my fears is an act of faith—walking by faith and not sight, relying on God and not my own strength or understanding. I have learned that change only comes by changing. I have learned that fear is a tool and my actions or lack of action determines whose hand I am placing it in. If I trust God and move forward, it expands God’s kingdom. If I am frozen with fear and do not act on the opportunities or challenges presented to me, then Satan scores a point and I miss the blessing. Note that God never loses, but I do if I listen to the voice of fear instead of the voice of Truth.

Okay, it is your turn. What do you really fear? Have you learned any lessons from this fear? Does your life currently reflect that you have overcome this fear, are fighting this fear, or that you are gripped by this fear? Remember these as ongoing prayer requests. You may overcome these fears once but Satan will for sure try to use them again. The good news is that God is always there to strengthen and sustain you in every battle.

My prayer for you this week is that you will be fearless!

Dear Lord, You know the things I fear. When my heart grows faint within me, empower me with Your courage and boldness. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.