Fear Not
“So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.” Genesis 46:1-7 NKJV
Have you ever been so paralyzed by fear that you could not move or even speak?
When I was a little girl my family went to a large rock quarry where as far as one could see there were all shapes and sizes of rocks. People were walking and jumping from rock to rock. I was so excited to join in the fun that I just ran and jumped from rock to rock until all of a sudden I looked back and I became aware of how far away from my father I had traveled that I stopped in the middle of the quarry and began to panic. My dad shouted for me to just follow the path I had traveled back to him. Out of sheer panic I replied, “But there are no rocks to step on!” Well everyone in ear shot of me just burst out laughing – here I was- standing in the middle of a rock quarry! But to me, I saw nothing but the distance between me and the security of holding my daddy’s hand.
The other week during my psych evaluation for my upcoming gastric bypass surgery, the psychologist asked me if I was aware that 1 in 100 people who have the procedure die, and 1 in 6 people have complications. I smiled and replied, “I know where I am going if I die and I am in God’s most capable hands – His will be done.” The psychologist smiled and wrote something down then went directly to the next question. No discussion on my answer. When I told my husband he said the psychologist was either a Christian or he wrote down in his notebook – this woman is delusional.
The above situations in my life are just two examples of how one can handle fear in their life. In Genesis 46 we read how God told Jacob to leave his home and travel to a strange and faraway land; but at the same time God reassured Jacob by promising to go with him on his journey and that He would also take care of Jacob and his people.
When new situations or surroundings frighten or worry us, we need to realize that experiencing fear is normal; however, to be paralyzed by fear as I was as a child in that rock quarry is an indication that we are questioning God’s ability to take care of us. Just as I wanted the security of my earthly father’s hand to bring me to safety, we need to realize that when fear or worry surrounds us that we need to reach for our Heavenly Father’s hand and be reassured that He will bring us to safety and take care of all our needs.
I am aware of the percentage of people who die or have complications in gastric bypass surgery; but I am not worried or fearful because I have complete peace that I am in the center of God’s will as I continue my journey to become a healthier me. So I will leave the fear behind me as I rest my life in the most capable hands of my Lord and Savior. 
How about you? Is there something the Lord has asked you to do but you are afraid of failure or the unknown? Take it to the Lord and rest assured that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Amen, very true.
What a wonderful, encouraging post, Michele.
I love the answer you gave to the psychologist. Yes, you will be in the most capable hands, my friend.
Thank you Iris… We all in His hands everyday….