Facing Fear with a Handful of Chocolate :)

In my natural state, I can be a fearful person. Fear of the unknown, fear for the safety of my children and concerns of the future can be paralyzing. I often desire to live in my comfort zone trying to control life’s outcome.

Can you relate? Do you ever worry?

To live life fully and to become all that God wants us to be, we must choose faith over fear. (A fistful of chocolate goes a long way too!)

Recently, I re-read Rahab’s story in Joshua chapter 2. Her example motivates me. She chose faith instead of fear. She was able to take a very bold action step in the midst of a fearful situation. She is a beautiful picture of someone choosing faith over fear. The fear did not paralyze her nor did it define her. She rose above it.  Rahab chose faith when her entire city chose fear. 

Take a minute and read Joshua 2. It is empowering.

When reading through this story, we see how Rahab acted wisely even in a fearful situation. Here are four action steps, I have heard and have found to be very helpful.

The first step is to Analyze your fear. Identify your fear. What is causing the panic? Is it valid? Is it real? Sometimes we worry for the sake of worrying. Mark Twain said, “I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened.”  Sometimes, we are too busy letting our mind run with all the “what if’s” to have any peace.“ “Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles.  It empties today of its strength.”  Corrie Ten Boom

Rahab, on the other hand, had a real situation. Her land was about to be attacked. She describes in her own words in verses 8 and 11; “the terror of you has fallen on us.” “We are fainthearted because of you.”

So, WHEN FEAR STARES YOU IN THE FACE:

Acknowledge or Remember how big your God is.

Look at your fear with Christ as the backdrop. He is bigger than your situation. Your circumstance has not taken Him by surprise. He is in control. Remind yourself of the miracles of our LORD.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 4:5-6 (KJV)

Ask for help. In Joshua 2:12, Rahab asked for help from the spies. (Joshua 2:12-13) You too have permission to ask for help. Petition your friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, reads “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ask for help from our heavenly Father.  “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Act on what you believe. Move forward in faith. Rahab did what the spies instructed her to do. She had the scarlet rope in the window. By faith, she did what she knew to do. When we are fearful, we must act out our faith. We can step into the situation according to our faith. Just do it, one step at a time.

Walk on sweet friends. Choose faith over fear today!