Joshua 1:9 AMPC
Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
It was 1977, I was standing waste high in the warm water of the baptismal tank.
I was a bit scared of being dunked under, but convinced that it was something I needed to do to follow Jesus.
Then my pastor read out the verse above - and boom, under the water I went and up into new life with Jesus.
It would be good to report that ever since I have never been afraid, but sad to say, that, in many ways, I'm still such a "scaredy-cat".
Even as I write this, my kitchen door is barricaded up to ensure that a mouse doesn't get into the rest of the house. Last night I saw it run for cover under the fridge when I came into the room.
I'm waiting for some "knight in shining armour" to arrive and "escort" it out to the garden.
Truth to tell I'm ashamed of myself for being such a weak willed coward. Many times in life, I've let fear overwhelm me.
Fear of failing, fear of heights, spiders, crowds - the list goes on and on.
Thankfully God doesn't reject "scaredy-cats" like me, but loving encourages me that He is with me wherever I go.
Nicky Gumbel says fear is:
False Evidence Appearing Real
So true! All too often the things we fear never happen, but fear is like a brick wall keeping us from our destiny in Jesus.
A prayer
Father God, forgive me that I focus on my fear and not Your Presence. Help me change and look to You.
Isaiah 41:10 AMPC
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
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