Words That Matter

FACE YOUR FEAR

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7 NKJV

“Don’t worry,” my husband said. “You’ll be fine. Just take it slow and be careful.”

“No problem, it’s just rain and slush,” my friend smirked. “If you can’t handle this, how are you going to handle the tribulation?”

“I’m not planning to be here for the tribulation,” I shot back. “You can stay if you want, but I’m outta here.”

The subject of this conversation was my one-hour drive from the foothills of South Carolina to Asheville, NC, and my life-long fear of driving in snow and ice. After a terrifying snow-experience in high school, I have shied away from venturing out in a vehicle ever since.

Several years ago, I faced this fear head-on by driving four hours to Crossville, Tennessee. There was an abundance of snow and I drove in, on, through and around it. When I came safely back down that mountain, I thought I had conquered my fear. Apparently not. Now it was resurfacing and I had a decision to make.

I chose to face it again and headed up the mountain. Twenty minutes into my drive, I called my husband and said, “I have a knot in my stomach the size of a grapefruit.” He spoke words of encouragement, told me again to be careful and I pressed on.

The trees were solid white with ice, snow blanketed the ground, and slush covered the road. I quoted every scripture I knew on fear, peace and God’s protection. I sang, “I have the peace of God in me . . .” I tried to concentrate on the beauty around me instead of my fear and had to remind myself to breathe. I made it.

Two days in the North Carolina mountains, surrounded by snow-capped hills, trees painted with a icy glow, and fellow believers and friends made the trip well worth the effort. My next hurdle was getting back down the mountain—safe, in one piece, and back to the security of my home and family.

Once again, God was merciful, gracious and faithful. As I prayed and kept my mind focused on Him, He lovingly guided and protected me, just like He always does. God has truly not given us a spirit of fear and, when that fear tries to attach itself to us, perfect love—God’s love poured out in our hearts—will cast it out.

What are you afraid of? Recognize it and give it to God. He will wrap His arms around you, fill you with His peace and deliver you safely to your destination.