Overcoming Fear
Yesterday I confessed to you that I have always struggled with the fear of man AND the fear of ending up alone. Today, I want to share with you about two friends who have encouraged me in my battle to overcome these fears. When I think of overcoming fear, one man quickly jumps into my thoughts. He did not bow to fear, and God was with him every step of the way. Listen to this story of overcoming fear from Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus!
Matthew 1:18-21 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-21, NIV)
This whole journey into overcoming fear really comes down to that little statement, “Do not be afraid.” God says that to people in the Bible a lot, and do you know why? Because the people He is saying it to are scared to death! Joseph would have been scared to death about public perception. What would people think? How would they respond when he said, “Well, umm, Mary is pregnant but an angel told me God did it!” In the Bible, Joseph was known as a TSADEEK—a young righteous man with a godly reputation. When your fiancée shows up pregnant, you lose your reputation, your standing and your pride UNLESS you are not afraid of people and their perceptions.
The Bible says: When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24, NIV)
Joseph had a decision to make—God’s way or man’s way. He put aside his fear of man and chose the way of God and his life, and the Son he raised was indeed miraculous!
Paul, the Apostle says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” So, here are two questions that can help you overcome your fear today:
Will I say “no” to pleasing people? Will I say “yes” to pleasing God?
When we say “yes” to pleasing God, we can hold on to His promise that “He will never leave us or forsake us.” Wow! Two fears overcome at the same time!
Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable and walk this journey with you. I am praying for your courage today as you face your fears. Don’t forget—please God and remember He is with you! Never forget my friend...
You are a miracle!
