Dive In! Face your Fear!

Spreading The Truth One Byte At A Time

By Ron Bender© 2008, 2013

“Inviting God’s touch in your soul”

A few months ago I was asked to share about my past and how God has brought me from my dark world of self-centeredness. I immediately said yes because I wanted to share this experience with people and because I like the opportunity to glorify God.

But after I had committed myself I thought about having to get up in front of all the people and tell my story– that part always scared me! I never know how people will receive my message, let alone how they will view me in light of my past. Strange how Satan is always there to steal our blessing and turn our joy into Fear.

Time went fast and before I knew it there I was getting ready to walk on to the stage. People crammed like sardines in this banquet style room and were looking toward me. As I approached the stage a lady (an old landlord) began walking toward me, (she still believes that I owe her money from years ago) and started to rant and rave about all sorts of nasty lies. I was caught unawares and felt like someone was pulling the carpet from under my feet. I wish that someone would come to my rescue yet no one moved. I continued onto the stage but realized that my mind went completely blank. The only thing that replaced it was Fear. Fear of being embarrassed, fear of losing my hard earned integrity. I can't remember what I said for it was completely different from what I prepared. I can only believe that what ever it was it was from God and was spoken to the right person.

God’s Word Gave me Courage

I was willing to face my fear? I thought of the Apostle Paul’s words:

One thing I do… I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus…

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty… I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 3:13-14, 4:13).

“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength… I can overcome my fear through Christ who gives me strength… I can swim in this ocean through Christ who gives me strength…” I repeated these words of life to myself over and over. I “took courage” from my Lord. I was going to swim the roaring ocean with Jesus! I was not going to shrink back! So when the gun sounded I dove into the ocean and started swimming for my medal!

Grace for All we Do!

As I spoke it was obvious that I was struggling. I took in a deep breath and said a slight prayer! I had always done well in all my opportunities to share in front of people. This was a humbling experience for me. Yet I dove in like a swimmer into the waves not quite sure what would be waiting for me when I come up beyond the white froth of the water. Before I knew it I was done and ready to sit down again.

All the people around me said how wonderful it was. "Really" I said "thank you". Someone even told me that the lady had caused trouble in various other events and meetings. So I was not completely shaken that she was there just to denounce me. I am glad I kept my cool and continued even when fear had me all but paralyzed.

I’ve had to dive in and overcome with God’s help many other fears in my life. For instance, twenty years ago I was struggling with panic about going to East Africa as a missionary. Taking my whole family not knowing a soul. Not to mention the fear I had every day that my children would stay safe. And for many years I had anxieties and worries about many, many things that I was trying to control and this sucked the life out of me and took away my smile. I thank God for how he has helped me to face my fears and to grow in his grace and peace!

How about you? What fear do you need to face? You’d be wise to get help training with Jesus in order to overcome your fear and anxiety. If you avoid what you fear then your fear increases and your world shrinks.

Soul Transformation Resources

“Fear Not!” 365 Days a Year is a short article that will help you to receive deep into your soul God’s words of peace offered repeatedly throughout the Bible: “Fear not!”

Be Free! Live in Jesus’ Easy Yoke. Jesus promised us that his yoke is easy – easy! But we make life so hard. What did Jesus mean in saying that his yoke is easy and how do we live in his relaxed way?

 

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Thank you!

Ron

Ronald Bender- President/CEO Bender Consulting.~http://www.benderbytes.net/bender_consult