April 28, 2010
What is there to fear?
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
2 Timothy 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control."
Friend To Friend
A cloud of terror hung over the Valley of Elah as snarling threats and vile promises spewed from his mouth. The intimidator strutted along grassy slopes swinging an enormous club, his mammoth, ironclad feet pawing the ground like an irate bull, ready to attack. The huge, ugly monster was Goliath, a nine-foot giant, the pride of Philistia. He wore massive armor; a bronze coat weighing 200 pounds, a solid iron spear, a heavy bronze helmet. The target of his ranting and raving was a frightened, helpless group of Israelites, cowering in their tents. For forty agonizing days, Goliath had come, taunting them, promising certain destruction and doom. The Israelites, paralyzed with fear, had given up all hope of escape, resigned to their tortured fate at the hand of this Philistine monster.
Then came day forty-one! I am certain, as the sun inched its way over the mountains that morning, that neither Goliath nor the Israelites had any idea that this day would be different. A young handsome teenager stepped into the valley of fear, fresh from the presence of God. David, the youngest in a family of eight boys could not believe the scene before him. Tossing the giant's threats and obvious advantage aside, David refused to accept what he saw. Instead, he chose to believe what he knew in his heart; this giant was going down! With simple but certain faith and unreserved confidence in God, David stepped through the fear, ushering in the mighty presence and power of God. Goliath not only met David that day, He met the Lord of Heaven and Earth. And the giant fell! Giants always fall in the presence of God.
I tend to face each day with mixed emotions. I survived yesterday but there were moments when I wondered if I would. What does today hold? I want to get to the place where I am excited about a fresh day, overflowing with new dreams and unmarked possibilities. I already know my days are going to be filled with many "unknowns" as well as a giant or two. And if I am brutally honest, I have to admit that the unknown fashions a pocket of fear in my heart where questions and doubts thrive.
The good news is that what lies ahead is no surprise to God. In fact, He has already been where we are going. That truth alone empowers us to face every tomorrow with hope, knowing that whatever touches us passes through His hands, with His permission. It is not God's plan for us to dwell in fear or for fear to rule our life. He has already set in motion the defeat and fall of every giant we will ever face. Our responsibility is to step through our fear, facing every giant in God's power and with His promises. The Holy Spirit will guide the path of His truth to its destined mark, taking down the giants lurking in each tomorrow.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever! I want the days ahead to be saturated with the memory of Goliath's fall and trust in Almighty God, the Giant Killer. So then, my friend, I ask you, what is there to fear?
Let's Pray
Father, I am so tired of being afraid. I want the giants in my life to fall - lifeless at Your feet. Without Your power and strength, I am helpless and already defeated. Today, I am choosing to step out in faith, knowing that You are with me. I surrender my fear and doubt to You and ask You to replace it with faith and the certainty only you can bring. I am Yours, Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Take time to review the past few days of your life.
What giants did you face?
How did you respond to those giants?
Read Luke 1:8-14. Examine your life in light of this passage.
What changes in attitude and perspective do you need to make as you approach each new day?
More From The Girlfriends
Where are you standing today? Are you cowering in fear like the Israelites or are you standing with David, the giant killer? Walk by faith, not by sight today. Walk through your fear, trust God, and do not count on your feelings, count on Him. We are praying for you, girlfriend!
Need encouragement? Check out my weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. We are beginning a new series, "Take This Job and Love It."
I know some of you are trying to weather some kind of storm in your life. God is with you! Find new strength for the difficult times in my new DVD, Strength for the Storm.
Stressed out? Escaping the Stress Trap may be just what you need. Based on Psalm 23, this book will lead you to discover the peace of God in a new way.
I would love to connect with you on Facebook or through email.
Need prayer? Email your prayer request to our Prayer Team Director, Ginger Meador.
Blessings!
Girlfriends in God
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Originally published Wednesday, 28 April 2010.
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