Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Do you ever experience fear, the kind that stops you in your tracks like the outstretched hand of a police officer?
In an interview with Barbra Streisand, Mike Wallace asked if she ever feels afraid, to which she honestly responded that she has been afraid all her life. As a child, her parents instilled a lot of fear in her by constantly warning her to put her hat on, not catch cold, be careful and not fall, stay away from danger, and not take chances. Despite this, Ms. Streisand emphasized that she is always in control and that fear does not control her. She explained that she experiences fear whenever she tries something new, but she does not let it stop her from achieving her goals. Instead, she acknowledges the fear and uses it to her advantage by pushing herself to succeed.
Supporting Scriptures
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen, help, and uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV): “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Reflection
Fear is a natural human emotion that doesn’t have to control our lives. Like Barbra Streisand, we can acknowledge our fears but choose not to let them stop us. God’s Word reassures us that He is always with us, providing strength and courage. In fear, we are not powerless; the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our anxieties and step forward in faith.
Action Steps
- Identify Your Fear: Write down the specific fears holding you back. Recognize them and understand their impact on your life.
- Prayer for Courage: Spend prayer, asking God to give you the courage to face your fears. Use the scriptures above as a foundation for your prayer.
- Take a Courageous Step: Decide on one actionable step to confront your fear. This could be starting a challenging project, initiating a difficult conversation, or deciding you’ve been putting off.
- Reflect and Journal: After taking your courageous step, journal about the experience. Reflect on how God was with you in the moment and how you felt His presence and support.
Conclusion
As you embrace the call to be strong and courageous, remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward despite it. Rely on God’s strength and promise to be with you, and watch how He transforms your fear into faith.
