Fear

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DEVOTIONALS

Fear

Isaiah 43:1-3

43:1 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by your name; YOU ARE MINE. 2: when you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; and when you pass through the rivers, THEY WILLNOT SWEEP OVER YOU. When you walk through the fire, YOU WILL NOT BE BURNED; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3: FOR I AM THE LORD, YOUR GOD, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, YOUR SAVIOR.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE (A SOUND MIND).

As barrel racers we all have to learn to deal with fear. Fear is a basic instinct.

There are two types of fears. There are realistic and reasonable fears that are actually healthy. They are fears that protect us and keep us safe. Then there are unrealistic fears. They are fears that lurk in our minds for no apparent reason except to cause anxiety. Where do you suppose these fears originate?

How about this theory? Unrealistic fears are planted in our minds by the enemy (Satan) to cause us to take our eyes off of our goal and focus on the fear instead.

The goal can be something like getting in the arena, around three barrels and out again. I’m afraid I will hit a barrel. I am afraid I will fall off. I am afraid my horse will just run off. I am afraid I will just look silly. The goal may be finding a new job. I am afraid this employer will not like me. I am afraid I am not qualified for the job. The goal may be raising a spirit filled family. I am afraid I am not “good” enough. I am not the “right” person to set the example for my children, husband, or wife. For someone dealing with illness the goal may be to face the treatments ahead. I am terrified of the treatments. I am afraid I will make the wrong decisions about my care. For a person with disabilities it may be something as simple as washing their face or brushing their teeth in the morning or evening. Where will I get the energy to get through the day? Where will I get the strength to accomplish the tasks to care for myself?

We all have fears planted in our minds (then our hearts) by the enemy. The most powerful ammunition you have against fear is the word of God. It is stronger than a two edged sword! When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He did not fear. He used the word of His Father to overcome the temptations of Satan. Jesus knew the power in the word! Of course He would because He is the Father’s son! He had no doubt.

The next time fear comes upon you draw on the word of God. Protect your mind and spirit. Find peace. There are a ton of scriptures in the Bible to speak to the devil when he is trying to distract you and put fear in your heart. Use them! That is what they are there for. Pick up that wonderful book. Blow off the dust and go for it! God will provide you with the peace that surpasses all understanding! I guarantee it!

By Carol Ellis