Maybe you are afraid...

Friend,

I’m guessing you are afraid of something today.

It might be something minor:

• A mouse you haven’t caught yet.

• A presentation you aren’t quite prepared for.

• A potential argument with your teenager.

It might be something major:

• A disease that is threatening your loved one.

• An impending downsizing at work.

• A crippling sense that you’re about to let everyone down.

Fear is one of the leading causes of weariness. When your mind and thus your body is constantly on alert, it’s exhausting.

You’re exhausted.

Maybe you’ve never realized that the reason you are exhausted is that you are always afraid. You may not be ready to admit it today, but maybe just maybe it’s true.

Fear just might be the secret catalyst in your life.

• You constantly exercise, not just to stay healthy, but because you are afraid that others will say you are not good enough if you aren’t in shape.

• You work hard, not just to provide for your family, but because you are afraid that your work is the only value you provide to others.

• You go to church, not just to worship God, but because you are afraid of what God or people will think of you if they don’t see you.

Fear is a wonderful servant (get out of the street, there’s a car coming!), but a terrible master.

I think when God says in scripture, “Do not be afraid.” He didn’t mean that you shouldn’t experience fear. I think God meant that you shouldn’t let fear win.

And the only way you tamper down the fear is to turn up the truth.

So no matter what you might be afraid of, hear these words,

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Love,

Aaron