Facing Your Fears

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) Growing up I knew what fear was — I lived with it through a lot of my childhood. I was afraid of the dark. I was afraid of the alcohol related situations in my community and my home. I was afraid of what people thought of me. And I was generally afraid of the unfamiliar and unknown. Things began to change when Jesus came into our home. I began to understand that I was now able to let Jesus carry all my anxieties. What I’m trying to say is that all of the fears and uncertainties I once grappled with, I didn’t have to face them by myself anymore. Things that once seemed so big and scary now became smaller and manageable. What a relief to know that something I carried for so long, I could now let go and leave with my Savior! Now and then, I come across a situation where something triggers my old way of thinking, and I start to worry and get anxious over whatever that scenario brings up. I have to catch myself and look back at what God brought me out of, and what He’s done for me. I need to be reminded that I don’t have to give in to being afraid like I used to. Having that assurance that I can live without fear is a totally incredible feeling! There is a real freedom that comes with living your life for the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that whatever is ahead is in His hands, and that you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Is fear a part of your life? Does it control what you think and do? God’s Word says that His way gives us freedom from fear. Dear Jesus, I need You to take control of my fears. I give them to you. Amen! — Milly Jackson   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org