Facing your fears

Fear is like a little imaginary lion growling at you, but only in your mind. Fear demands that you believe in something you cannot see. Like faith, which is the opposite of fear, it asks you to respond to something that is not seen. Facing your fears requires faith and courage—the courage to step out and confront these imaginary and paralyzing thoughts that can overpower you if you let them. How do you face your fears? When I was starting out rescuing North Korean refugees from the borders, I was filled with doubts, and oftentimes fear would try to overtake my will to carry on the task. But one thing I learned when I had to face these fears is that something else is more important than the fear in front of me. That’s when courage and faith took over my heart, and I realized then that fear will vanish in the presence of faith and courage. I used to say it’s not that I was brave, but I went forward afraid. I moved ahead despite the fear, and that’s when I discovered that’s the only time courage can take over my heart. I faced the fear because what’s beyond it is of far greater significance to me. To see those impoverished, helpless children free is more important than the fear I had to confront in rescuing them. God has not given us a spirit of fear. Recognizing that fear always comes from the enemy of our soul will help us confront these fears. Whether it be the fear of losing someone, losing your job, or a much greater fear of terror or uncertainty about the future, remember that fear is only imaginary. It is never sent from above. Are you struggling to face your fears right now? Both fear and faith demand that you believe in what is not seen. Which one will you choose?