Overcoming Fear

JESUS SPEAKING

  ’On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.“ Now when they had left the multitude, they took him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!“ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?“ And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”‘ (Mark 4: 35 – 41)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Faith is the amount of trust or confidence we place in someone or something. And so, the presence of fear indicates the absence of faith (and vice versa.) We read that when the storm arose, the disciples were afraid they were going to die. In desperation, they turned to the only individual they believed could help. When Jesus awoke from His slumber, He stood up and calmed the wind and the waves; displaying a mastery over nature itself. He then rebuked His disciples for their fear and subsequent lack of faith.

  Concerning the devastating nature of fear, a Japanese soldier named Shoichi Yokoi once lived in a cave on the island of Guam, to which he fled in 1944 when it became clear that the Japanese were going to lose the war. Fearing for his life, the man stayed hidden for twenty-eight years in the jungle. During his time alone, he ate frogs, rats, snails, shrimp, and mangoes. He carried around a pair of trousers and a jacket he’d made from the bark of a tree. He knew the war had ended because of the leaflets that were dropped throughout the jungle. And yet he was afraid he’d be executed if he emerged. Eventually, two hunters happened by and explained to him that he need not hide any longer. At last he was free. After acquiring a decent pair clothes and some food, he was taken by plane to his home.

  In much the same way, fear can cause unbelievable devastation and suffering in a person’s life. Those who are fearful can be driven into isolation, desperation, and destruction. Yet there is a weapon that can destroy fear and permit people to move forward; that weapon is faith. Only faith in God and trust in His power can eradicate fear and doubt. Our trust in God can give us a mastery over our fears; allowing us to remain calm and know peace, even in the midst of a storm. May all of our fears be destroyed by our faith in Jesus Christ.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience greater faith and to overcome all of our fears. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend the awesome power You wield over all creation. For You, nothing is impossible. May we know this truth in our hearts and fully place our faith in You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!