“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.”
– 1 Samuel 17:36
Feeling afraid and overcoming resistance can be addressed in a variety of ways. We need strategies when we make that difficult call, write that book, attend that class with strangers, or embrace the mission of what we are called to do. As Mel Robbins says in her book “The 5 Second Rule,” count down from five and just go. It’s as easy as 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go to the gym, and you just do it. I’ve tried it and it works. Over 75 years ago, Dorothea Brande an American writer and editor said, “Act as if you could not fail.” Many Christians recite a Bible verse such as, “…all things are possible with God,” if they need inspiration before they face a challenge. I have a favorite Bible phrase that I use when I am afraid, and it’s a little unconventional. It’s the story about King David when he was a young man and he was sent to check on his brothers as they stood against the Philistines on the battlefield. As the famous giant Goliath mocks and teases God’s armies, David looks at King Saul and sees these brave men and says, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” The fog of fear of that army disappears, and David is the one chosen to slay the giant. Friend, I say, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” when I am afraid of a task, goal, sermon, speech, or song. I say it when I have to confront someone or I have to do something embarrassing or difficult. By saying this, I take away the power of the spirit of fear. I trust that nothing can stand against the greatness of our God! |
Prayer
Father, in the face of difficult challenges, I ask you to give me the strength to overcome fear.
Reflection
How do you use the Word of God to stand against your fears?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I remember the days being a student nurse and feeling terrified to do new procedures. The anxiety was like a second skin! Then I remembered why I was there- to help and to serve. Through fifty years of service I learned to cope with that anxiety through prayer. My dedication to serving God through nursing was stronger than a feeling that could limit God’s plan in my life. It wasn’t easy but it’s been worth fighting for!