Today, I was listening to a testimony that I had heard many times before. It was about a woman who had just been told her child was dying. Her response was, “I refuse fear.”
Refusing fear is not an easy thing to do, especially in a situation like that. I know, I have been there. However, as I listened to this testimony, I realized there were areas in my life that I sometimes become anxious about…which is fear. Therefore, that morning, I decided I was going to practice refusing fear.
I jotted down on a post-it note…practice refusing fear…and I walked out the door and headed to my aunt’s home.
That day we were picking and canning green beans. The morning started out fine, we picked our beans and headed to her house to can them. After a long day of canning, I loaded everything back in my vehicle and started down her driveway. All of a sudden, my vehicle sputtered and died. I thought, “that was odd” and I started it again.
It started, but it would not go. It had no power and sounded like it was going to die again at any moment. I stopped and walked back to my aunt and told her what was happening. She suggested it shut it off and start it again. Which I did. This time it seemed okay. I put it in drive and headed toward my office.
Along the way, off and on, the vehicle would act like it was going to die. I was praying all the way…praying I could make it to the office. Which I did.
Once there, I called several auto shops to try to get someone to look at it. Out of my mouth kept coming the same words, “I am afraid to start home in it. I am afraid it will stop again, and I won’t be able to get off the road.”
Long story short, I did make it home. I walked in my door and over to my counter. Lying there was my post-it note. Practice refusing fear. I dropped my head and said out loud, “Lord, I failed.”
Why is it that fear is often our first response? 
If we get an unexpected bill in the mail, fear or anxiety is often our first response?
Not only that, but there are hundreds of scenarios where fear is our first response. Our vehicle acts funny. Our kids aren’t home in time. We hear rumors at work. Doctors’ reports. Rising gas prices. Empty shelves at the grocery store. In all of these, many times fear is our first response. My friend, this should not be so. That is not Gods best for us – He has not given us a spirit of fear.
Fear, as with all things, is a choice. We must choose to refuse fear and stand firm on the Word of the living God. His words are LIFE. They will bring peace to our spirits and give us the power to walk through any situation, in peace.
I think of Jesus when He walked through the crowd that desired to stone Him. He was not afraid, He walked through in total peace.
It is not always easy to choose peace instead of fear, I realize that. But it is a choice. We must choose not to allow fear and anxiety to dominate our life. We must choose to guard our heart from fear. Out of our heart flow the issues of life. We must choose to keep our heart filled with faith and void of ALL fear.
How do we do that? By keeping our mind upon the truth. The truth of the Word of God, even, and especially in the midst of challenging times. The Bible says God will keep us in PERFECT peace as long as our mind is stayed/ focused upon Him. That’s the key to walking in a place where fear is not dominate.
It is my prayer this week, that we each come to a place where fear is not our first response. A place where faith and trust in God is our first response. Not only in our heart, but also coming out of our mouth. I am going to leave you with a few scriptures to stand on and pray…concerning fear.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Is. 41:10
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Ps. 56:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19
