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fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Recently, I conquered a debilitating fear and was instantly reminded that we have been given the antidote for fear. The antidote for fear in all circumstances, big or small, is always and will forever be Jesus.

The Battle is Real

The fear can creep in quickly, without warning, consuming us in ways we never imagined. Or the fear can be deeply embedded in us over time, bit by bit until something triggers the deep-seated fear, and then it can manifest into an overwhelming emotion we seem powerless to fight.

As a widow, the battle with fear can seem relentless as we deal with so many heart-wrenching struggles. To say that our world is turned upside down doesn’t even begin to describe it. Becoming a widow might be described as something far worse than if a tornado had swooped in and destroyed everything we owned. Yet, even that description, although it gives a visual image, barely touches the surface.

Fear can paralyze us mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually.

Focus is where we get our Power

My recent encounter with fear doesn’t begin to compare with the fears I encountered in becoming a widow, but it did remind me of what I’ve learned. You see, the fear paralyzed me and it sprung up on me totally unexpected. I was on vacation with some dear friends in Panama. On the schedule that night – one of my absolutely favorite things to do – snorkeling. Only this time it was a night time snorkel.

As our boat headed to our location, all of the things I had been taught my whole life about not going into the water at night came rushing to the surface of my mind. Every fiber in my being starting to scream – danger, danger, danger. Somehow I managed to tell the guide politely, but FIRMLY, I would not be going in the water. The guide asked me to do just one thing – to put my mask on and put my face in the water while holding onto the ladder. Nothing else. I could then retreat to my seat and wait for the others to finish.

And that was all it took. As I put my face in the water my eyes focused on all of God’s beautiful creation living below the surface. Octopus, crabs, lobster, and lots of fish enjoying their natural habitat. As my brain shifted to focusing on God’s creation, the fear began to float away. Moving forward, letting go of the ladder, I was free.

The antidote to fear is Jesus

It matters where we look. Are we focusing on God or are we focusing on our problems? I love the saying “Train your mind to hear what God is whispering. Not what the enemy is shouting”. So often the fear springs out from what the enemy is shouting. But God has told us not to fear. It is in His word repeatedly. But how do we do that?

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) tells us that we run the race set out for us with perseverence by:

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Jesus is the antidote to fear. If we stay focused on Him, we will remember there is no reason to fear. In Him we find peace, not fear.

The Battle is Won

Today, it may seem that the problems before you are insurmountable. Ever fiber of your being may be trying to hold onto something that you cannot hold on to. Whatever it is, God has gone before you. He is the Alpha and Omega. There is no mistake you can make that He hasn’t already woven together for good. No sin you can commit, that hasn’t already been paid for. You will finish the race. He is the one who completes what He has begun in you. (Philippians 1:6 paraphrase) He knows the end from the beginning. He always has. The battle is won!

Rest in the power of focusing on Him and let the fear float away.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us more than we can possibly comprehend. Thank You for having a plan and a purpose for our lives. Help us rest in You by keeping us focused and aware of Your presence in our lives. Help us to love You and trust You more. Thank You for being the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.