Last night, relaxing in safety, a huge noise came at us. For a moment, it felt like an invasion as our home shook and noise assaulted us from every side. Three military helicopters flying very low went over us – it was terrifying.

Momentarily paralyzed with fear, we sprang into defensive action. Taking a deep breath and asking the Lord for protection, I opened the door and stepped out. In the dark, I watched the one that flew between my neighbor’s and my house barely skim over the trees. Though the helicopters were gone, fear continued to grip us.

What’s the Solution When Confronted by Fear?

We needed to take decisive action for fear was shutting us down.

We quickly fixed our eyes on Jesus and invited Him into our situation. Our fear initially was legitimate, but then fear landed on us and was taking authority over us. We confessed that, invited Jesus to be LORD over us, and asked Him to drive out the fear.

By faith, we sang; then verbally declared, “My safety is in Christ alone.”

Finding Hope in the Face of Fear

Intellectually we know Jesus is stronger than whatever confronts us. But you and I need more than knowledge to inspire hope and courage in the face of terrible fears.

Throughout history, people have faced fearful injustice beyond comprehension. Have you ever wondered what made the difference between those who gave up and those who thrived despite cruel oppression?

Reading the Bible, we learn of men and women who marched forwards and even embraced danger with courage and resolution.

This Is How They Confronted Fear

Daniel and his three friends saw murder and mayhem occur in their beloved land; traumatized, they endured the cruelty of Babylon without becoming passive or compromising their faith in God.

Moving on the offensive, they rejected intimidation knowing persecution and even death awaited their choices. In the midst of this they obeyed the Lord. Courageous, they walked towards fiery furnaces and lions’ dens.

Mocked by his family, David, using only a little stone, ran without armor or weapons towards Goliath, the wicked giant who held his people in terror.

Frightened, Esther turned in prayer and fasting to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then with boldness, she marched forward to stand for her people, knowing she might be killed.

Do you wonder if these are just beautiful stories set in frightening circumstances to teach a moral?

I assure you, history reveals these were real people who experienced real fear.

Fear is a natural response to danger. Yet, they refused to allow fear to rule their lives but stood with integrity in the face of oppression and evil.

How was that possible?

Think about their responses. Each lifted their eyes off their circumstances and firmly fixed them on the Sovereign Lord.

Beliving whether they lived or died, they were in the Lord’s care, they chose to surrender themselves to Him, accepting His Lordship over them.

God Cares for You

Their hope is expressed beautifully by Daniel.

“May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him. He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Dan 2:20-21).

The problem for us today is events come out of the blue; unexpected, they shock us, hitting us with overwhelming fear.

Dear Heart,

You may face great fear. But fear doesn’t need to have the final say over your life.

Please, look at Jesus. Fear is a spirit, if you give place to it, that spirit will drive you into bondage to fear.

You have a choice!

Choose to focus your thoughts and emotions on Jesus, for He is trustworthy and good.

Remember…

For the joy set before Him of bringing you to the Heavenly Father, Jesus endured Calvary.

He took your sin and shame upon Himself, facing fear, He embraced the pain of separation from God. All because He loves you. He left the safety of Heaven to walk through life – suffering everything you could ever experience. Triumphing over all evil, He offers you His victory.

Years ago, I met a young man about to commit suicide. In desperation, he prayed, “God, if you exist, please reveal yourself to me. Otherwise, I shall kill myself.” That night Jesus spoke to him in a dream.

Are you skeptical?

Do you wonder if Jesus is God? Or if God cares about you?

Take courage; like that young man, invite the LORD God to reveal to you the truth. Ask Him, “Do you love me?” Or, “Is it possible the death of Jesus on Calvary can bring me peace with you, God?”

If Jesus is your Saviour, ask, “Lord, please reveal to me if, in your sovereignty, I can find safety.”

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2)