Conquering Fear Step by Step

Conquering fear is a constant challenge for humans. Carol reminds us that for this bigger challenges, we need to trust God for every step.

Things That Hold the Element of Fear

There are a few things that I don’t like. Some, like putting a puzzle together, don’t hold any element of fear for me. I just enjoy other hobbies more. It doesn’t mean I don’t put in a piece or two in some puzzle my family is working on, but there isn’t the same level of enjoyment in it. However, other things I don’t like do contain that element of fear or a strong dislike. Snakes and other creepy, crawly things are high on the list.

Swaying Bridges

I don’t like heights, never have. This is one of those things that holds a huge element of fear for me.  A swinging bridge, high above a river adds another level of fear to the equation. Height plus movement instead of stability makes me shy away from these situations. Stories of people making the bridges sway extra, on purpose, to terrorize those walking on them, made me promise myself to never step foot on one.

One day I stood beside my oldest daughter, staring across the 604-foot swinging bridge span, high across the Souris River. The bridge appeared sturdy. My daughter, who held no fear of such things, promised to not make the bridge sway any extra if I crossed it with her, or at least attempted to walk a short distance out on it. She wanted me to conquer my fears.

The bridge appeared sturdy with thick, heavy handrails. Many people used this everyday – locals and tourists alike. I watched someone else stride across without pause or concern. The bridge swayed less than I expected.

Conquering My Fears

One step at a time I began to move towards the other side, conquering my fears of height and movement. I paused in the middle to survey the wonderful view from a new perspective. A castle like structure peeked from the tree tops on the opposite side. I became curious to find out what building this might be, but to do that I needed to complete the journey, one step at a time. 

God Asks Us to Trust Him

We face many things in life that make us fearful. Hard things. New things. Challenges. God asks us to trust Him. Let Him takes those fears and replace them with courage. But first we must take a step of faith before we can see what He has in store for us.

Be Strong and Courageous

In Joshua 3, God makes a way for the Israelites to cross the Jordan River in flood stage so they could enter the Promised Land. The priests had to stand still in the raging waters. When they obeyed, God miraculously stopped the river and the people crossed on dry ground. They had to conquer their fears of flood water to see the miracle of God. What fears do we need God to help us conquer today?

Joshua 1: 9,

“Have I not command you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”

God might not take the challenges away immediately or take us to a place of comfort. Instead he tells us to be strong and courageous and see what he will do when we obey. I faced my fears that day on the swinging bridge. It remains as a lesson to me that God will help me face whatever challenges life brings my way when I trust him to be with me just like he promised.

What aggravates you? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.

---