Not Afraid: How to Overcome FearSample

What God Says About Fear

Reflect/Discuss

• Why do you think God asks us to not fear?
• Have you ever been afraid of where God is leading you?

Consider

When we try to overcome our fears, we often take the path of trying to rationalize them. We think of reasons why the thing we’re afraid of isn’t so scary. We try to reassure ourselves of how safe we are. We overemphasize the saying, “It’s nothing to be afraid of.” In short, we focus on our fears.

These verses reveal only one of many instances in which God commands His people over and over again not to fear. But the reason He tells us not to fear isn’t because He removes us from danger or diminishes the threat. When God tells His people not to fear, it’s often in situations where He has led them up against overwhelming odds that should terrify them. But He tells them to not be afraid because He will be with them, in their midst. We overcome our fears by realizing that God is with us, in the danger.

Act

• Think of a situation you are afraid of, whether you are currently in it or have yet to be in it. Rather than avoiding it or diminishing the challenge, step into that situation knowing God is with you. How would that change how you act?