Stepping Stones: Why Are We So Afraid?

Transformational Tip
I have found lately, maybe because of the struggling economy, how easy it is for a lot of people to share their shortcomings. They readily confess that they suffer from all types of physical, material, or emotional problems. Doesn't take much prodding to have them tell you they have a bad temper or that they are self-centered...they will even tell you they are "not that smart." But one thing no one wants to admit (to themselves or others) is that they are cowards. No one likes to let on that they are afraid of anything. Of all our human frailties, cowardice seems by far the least popular.
Fear gets in the way of so many things in our lives, this is not how God wants us to live. Fear shows doubt for God's sovereignty, love for you, and power over our problems. God has answers. Remember His answer for our biggest concern...we were headed for eternal damnation because of our sin until Jesus died for us. He has answers for your predicament, need, or suffering, or anticipated suffering. Pray for God's courage, free yourself from the fear that keeps you from God's peace and joy.
God's word speaks to us so clearly about the need to be brave and "fear not." This message is contained in virtually every book of the bible. When we really put on the armor, braveness is an automatic outcome.
Today, what concerns you?....or are you afraid of? Why? What do you need to believe differently about you and about God for your fear to go away? Take God's promises seriously and see how it effects your vulnerable spots.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so stricken with fear, I am such a coward. God, please give me courage. I need courage in all aspects of my life. I need courage to do good and to resist all forms of evil. I need courage to follow Your commandments, to overcome my fears, both rational and irrational. Give me the courage I need Lord to win the struggle against neuroses and phobias. I need Your courage to overcome my addictions and to persevere though the storms in my life. Give me courage Lord, to give witness to Your truth and to do great things in Your name. Father I pray that all those of the Stepping Stones community gain Your courage and lose their fear. Remove their fear Father and give them Your peace...the peace that surpasses all human understanding. In Christ's refuge, AMEN

The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 15:1
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:4
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Revelation 1:17