CHANGE: Tackling Fear

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 ““I will not leave you nor forsake you…only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 7:5a-7; 9]

In the scriptures, Joshua is Moses’ assistant and was tutored in the way of battle by Moses, amongst other things; but when Moses died, Joshua was called to take over the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a very huge undertaking I imagine. I’m sure he felt fear at the responsibility that seemed thrust upon him, and God knew this, allaying Joshua’s fear with the command to be of good courage, not be afraid or dismayed; and the promise of guidance and companionship.

God is saying that to you as well, “Be strong and very courageous, do not fear or be dismayed…”. Like Joshua, fear might be invading your heart at the prospect of sudden change in a situation, responsibilities, or life in general; But you must not allow that fear take root. One thing to remember is that contrary to popular belief, the absence of fear does not denote courage; it is doing “it” (whatever “it” is to you) afraid that exemplifies courage.

Fear has certain side effects not conducive to living an abundant life in Christ. For one, fear keeps one complacent, satisfied with the status quo, their current conditions. Now, it is one thing to be content as the Apostle Paul talks about in Philippians 4:11-12, but quite another thing to be complacent. Being content is enjoying your present season on your way to the future while being complacent is settling: settling for a mediocre life with a mediocre lifestyle. Secondly, fear oftentimes keeps one in limbo, swaying one’s thoughts and decisions like a yo-yo, and if one is not careful, one can become stuck for years, maintaining the status quo and never becoming all that they were created to be. What a tragedy! Do not let that be you; do not allow fear keep you from the best God has in store for you.

How does one then let go of that paralyzing fear that prevents one from moving forward and making necessary changes? DO NOT FEAR! But that’s much easier said than done, isn’t it? The fact is that fear will always come, especially when it has to do with change; but it is how we respond to this fear that makes all the difference thus, begin doing “it" afraid. Furthermore, the Word of God says that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18) thus we must embrace God’s love for us, being rooted and grounded in this love (Ephesians 3:17).

When you begin to embrace God’s love for you, your confidence will increase and you’ll know without a shadow of doubt that God’s promise to Joshua also applies to you, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you…” Take that step of faith today and make that much needed change.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”  [2 Timothy 1:7]

Let this be your prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before Your throne of Grace, thanking You for another year and day of your favor. I also thank You for the changes You are bringing to my life, to enable me mature in you. I admit, fear has been my biggest challenge but I realize with You, I can do anything. I have no reason to fear thus I will keep on trusting You, no matter what fear may be. I thank You that You have given me the grace to embrace the changes life may bring, and to begin doing “it” afraid, In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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