For Facing Fear

For Facing Fear

YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD THAT IT’S IMPORTANT to pray against fear—but I’m here to tell you that it’s more important to pray for courage. History proves that fear may never go away, yet we’re called to charge forward despite the angst that we feel. In fact, Jesus carried out his calling even as “sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44).

The greatest among us don’t wait for fear to go away. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Yet, this heroic leader—who led America during a depression and a world war—had an extreme fear of fire. And Moses also dealt with his share of fears. When God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he pleaded, “No, Lord, please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13, GNT).

God has appointed you to answer your calling. And if you’re scared, just do it afraid. Pray that courage will overtake you, even if your fears don’t go away.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Be strong and courageous!

TODAY I DECLARE

My faith is stronger than my fears.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

I’m afraid, but I’m placing my faith in you. For you’re the God who gives assignments, and your assignments come with the necessary strength.

Please fill me with a new endowment of courage—a boldness that overrides my fears. Though I’m fearful, I know that you’ll protect me. Though I’m scared, my faith will conquer it all. Like every heroine you called before me, I’ll charge forward—in spite of my fear.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Pray that courage will overtake you.”