One of the biggest obstacles in our lives is FEAR.

Fear is a choice. It has no strength on it’s own…only what we choose to give it. Many times, I have been able to describe my life the way Paul describes his in 2 Corinthians:

When we arrived in Macedonia, there was not rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

2 Corinthians 7:5

Fear may always be a part of our lives, but its just that, a part. It does not have to control us and should not keep us from doing what God has called us to do. God has given us everything that we need to face our fears. He called Joshua to be strong and courageous as his was facing the most challenging time of his life.

“I command you – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Paul tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but rather one of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). It’s up to us to release that power and love.

When we face our fears, we look straight into the eyes of opportunity and the courage we often need to engage our greatest challenge can be found only in the midst of engaging that challenge and in facing our fears.

Erwin McManus from Chasing Daylight

My Prayer for today...

Lord, you know how scared we are sometimes, even when we hide it from everyone around us. Please take our fears and use them for your Glory. Lord, sometimes fear is all we have to give to you. Our fears don't seem like much of an offering, but here they are. We are putting our fears into your hands. Amen

Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there. – Inscription on an ancient mantelpiece in Hind’s Head Hotel, Bray England