Thursday – Feb. 27
The phrase “do not be afraid” is mentioned 81 times in the Bible, according to Bible Gateway. Clearly, fear is incompatible with the Christian walk but is a frequent part of the human experience.
A good biblical example of how paralyzing fear can be can be found in the story of the Israelites in the Wilderness. They were instructed to send spies into the land ahead of the invasion. The spies found a land of abundance, but they were afraid of the challenges they thought they faced.
Numbers says that the report they brought back to Moses and the people was overwhelmingly “we can’t do it. Too big.” As a result the nation spent another 40 years wandering around the Wilderness. Fear overwhelmed their faith.
For today’s fast, therefore, consider giving up fear–fear of scarcity, fear of people, fear of risk, fear of change. Allow trust to grow and fear to shrink.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me.’” Hebrews 13:5,6.
Question: What is the thing you fear the most? (Not monsters in the closet. Choose a fear of a real object, person, or event.)
Activity: Choose to do one thing today that frightens you. Ask for help if you need it.
Prayer: My Father, I am afraid of my life, afraid of my critics, afraid of failure, and afraid of loss. I must trust you more. On this Lenten day, please help me to surrender to you, trusting you more than myself. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.