Managing and Overcoming Fear

If you listen to the news these days, it is easy to become fearful. What’s going to happen? Will we ever go back to “normal” again?

• Crime is growing, finances are unstable,

• Covid and its variances are popping up everywhere and confusing everyone as to what they should do.

• Our churches are trying to figure out what to do to keep everyone safe yet still be the church in the midst of a crazy world.

What are your fears at this time? Can you list some? If you can, that’s winning half the battle. Identifying your fears gives you a plan for overcoming them.

Think about how the shepherds must have felt when the angels appeared to them in the middle of the night. The story told in Luke 2 reports they responded in fear. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people! Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” They were terrified, but they overcame their fear with faith in the message and went to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had told them about.

A seminary and WMU friend, Debbie Moore, serves as Executive Director of Arkansas WMU. Previously, she served 22 years in Africa with the IMB. She was the guest on the August 3rd podcast, “On the Journey Conversations” with Sandy Wisdom-Martin. She shared how her obedience in following the Lord’s plan for her life did not prevent the very real fear she experienced. Her greatest fear? Fear of flying.

She knew that her obedience required a plane flight to Africa. Her faith in the Lord gave her the courage to get on the plane. She arrived in Africa, white-knuckled, safe, and sound. She shared that usually, missionaries look forward to a return to the states. But knowing she had to get back on a plane robbed her of that excitement. Debbie mentioned other fears that could be a “call blocker” for any of us in fulfilling God’s call. But Debbie continued to share that “she not only overcame her fear and shared the gospel faithfully for years in Africa, but also met many other Christians there who served the Lord with great joy despite challenges and hardships.”

What fears are you dealing with? What fears do you have that prevent you from sharing Christ with others?

“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.” Isaiah 41:10

Will you admit your fears, take His hand, and follow His call on your life?

Written by WMU of Texas President Earl Ann Bumpus