Forever Faithful 10-Day DevotionalSýnishorn

Faith Overcoming Fear

So do not fear, for I am with you . . . I will strengthen you and help you. -Isaiah 41:10

Ona Judge, a slave of the United States’ first president, remembered her mother’s words, “Accept freedom’s hand if ever it is extended.”

Her mother, also a slave in the Washingtons’ household, instilled in her daughter the vision of being free. Despite Ona’s nightmares of being recaptured and beaten to death, she knew that her Creator didn’t make her to be someone else’s possession.

Ona moved swiftly on her journey toward freedom and never looked back.

She pushed any turbulent thoughts away and prayed that she would make it safely to the ship. Fear tried to overcome her as she hid in an unlit tiny cupboard on the ship.

Then she heard her mother’s voice say, Quiet yourself, my sweet black-eyed butterfly. Ona knew that she was no longer alone and that God’s strength would get her to freedom.

The Israelites also understood the reality of tasting freedom by overcoming fear.

While in captivity, they cried out to God to give them freedom. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (41:10).

In Scripture, God continually instructs us not to be afraid because His presence will strengthen and enable us to experience freedom. Freedom from our fears is available as He upholds us in His righteous right hand.

Roslyn Yilpet

Do you believe that God is with you as you face your fears? Are you willing to allow God to strengthen you and give you victory over your fears?

My Creator God, help me to overcome any fears that block me from my freedom in You.