Everyone has experienced fear. A child may be afraid of the dark, but as an adult realize there was nothing to fear. Even as adults we are aware of our large fears but may not realize we also have smaller ones. No matter what, we can be assured that the Lord helps us overcome our fears.
Fear is often used by the devil to make us miserable and destroy our lives. It begins as a thought and then creates emotions that rule us. One of the greatest damages caused by Covid-19 is not the disease caused by virus, but the fear of the virus. Jesus helps us overcome our fears and gives us His peace which is like no other.
God Helped Gideon Overcome His Fears
God called Gideon a mighty warrior, but he was a work in progress and had to overcome his fears to follow the Lord’s plan for his life. Judges 7: 10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” [1]
Gideon did as the Lord instructed him and realized that the Midianites were afraid of his small force because they knew God was with them. The Lord worked with Gideon to help him overcome his fear. God did not make fun of him but helped him move forward in His strength.
God Will Help You Overcome
The Lord will help us overcome fear as we ask Him for His strength and peace. The Apostle Paul models this for us. He freely admits that he “faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.” 2 Corinthians 7:5[2] He gave the Philippian church this advice. Philippians 4: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.[3]
We can overcome fear as God helps our faith to grow. Our trust in God is based on His promises and His faithfulness. The Faith Chapter, Hebrews 11, is full of stories of men and women like Gideon who grew to believe that God would do exactly what He promised. Their trust in this faithful God helped them face their fears and act in faith. It helped them wait patiently and courageously endure terrifying trials.
The Lord will help us overcome our fear as we put our faith into action like Gideon. You may feel your knees are weak at first but keep going. Pause to rest and catch your breath if you need to. When you’re ready, take a few more steps. But set your feet firmly in the direction you want to go and commit to going forward. Whatever happens, always imagine the success that God promises. Keep exercising your faith, and it will grow.
To hear more how the Lord helps us overcome our fears, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-gideon
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.