FEAR is one of the biggest issues many people face. Fear of the past coming back to haunt us. Fear of the present rearing its ugly head to rob us of our joy. Fear of the future-unsure of what is ahead. Oh…and fear of the dark, fear of tight places, fear of flying, fear of snakes, etc.
I am not downgrading anyone who has legitimate fears. I read recently about a woman who was mauled by pit bulls. The tragedy would have taken on greater intensity because she had a huge fear of dogs from being bit by one as a child. Legitimate fears are not to be disregarded. “Made up” fears though are a different story. Some people are just fearful people. We used to use the phrase “they are afraid of their own shadow.” Many are mastered by their fear. We did something in the past we are so afraid of people finding out about that we are always looking over our shoulder wondering, “When?” or “If?” We live in fear of the present lest we find ourselves unable to sort through things and function. We are paralyzed by the fear of inadequacy. And, of course, there is the fear of the future. What will it bring? Will there be war? Will I be able to make ends meet? The list is endless.
In the Old Testament book of Judges there is a man who lived in fear. His name was Gideon. When we first read about him he is threshing wheat in a winepress. Grapes are smashed in a winepress inside. Wheat is threshed outside where the wind can help carry away the chaff. But it says Gideon was living in fear of the Midianites so he was threshing wheat while hiding. But one day an angel of the Lord visited him and called him a “mighty man of valor.” Yeah, right. Can you see the headlines? “Man in hiding called mighty man of valor.” Makes no sense to me. But then again, when was God ever tied to what I thought? Answer: N.E.V.E.R.
God called Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites in a unique way. First, get rid of your fear. Second, tear down your dad’s altar to Baal. Third, whittle your army from 32,000 to 300 men. Fourth, be unconventional in your approach. Surround the Midianite camp, then at Gideon’s signal blow a horn, break a clay jar, raise a torch and shout. Gideon and his men were able to stand by and watch the Midianites panic and either kill each other or run.
Gideon’s fear became faith when he trusted in Yahweh (God) to intervene. What hill or mountain are you facing these days? Health issues? Job insecurity? Marriage on the rocks? Wayward child? Self-induced instability? Trust Him to settle things and make them right. “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Pr. 20:24 NLT). That verse says it all. Faith over fear.
