Fear.

It can stop us in our tracks, can’t it?

There are 365 “don’t fear” references in the Bible – one for every day of the year conveniently.

But, what if we do fear? Can God work with that?

If we find ourselves struggling with it – for a moment, a day, a season – will God be disappointed in us? Angry with us?

Judges 6 tells the story of a man named Gideon. Referred to as a “valiant warrior” in verse 12, Gideon seemed anything but just a few verses later.

God asked Gideon to get rid of a couple idols in town and build an altar to God there instead.

“…tear down the altar of Baal that belongs to your father and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Build a well-constructed altar to the Lord your God on the top of this mound.” (vs. 25-26)

Gideon was willing…and afraid.

“…because he was too afraid of his father’s family and the men of the city to do it in the daytime, he did it at night.” (vs. 27)

I find that so relatable, don’t you?

And, if you continue reading through Judges 6, you’ll see that fear can actually have a silver lining.

It made Gideon desperate.

Gideon became desperate for strength from beyond himself to lead an army into battle. He was desperate for courage that he knew he didn’t humanly possess and desperate for direction from the only One who could truly give it.

Gideon’s fear made him desperate for God.

The same holds true for us.

Fear can be a great motivator to spur us towards dependency on God. It can bring us to our knees and can be instrumental in growing our faith, if we let it.

“God, I need you…”

“Father, without you I can’t…”

“O Lord, you know I’m afraid…”

Even Jesus Himself was no stranger to fear. It drove Him to His knees several times the night before He was crucified. (Matthew 26:36-44)

Hebrews 4:15 tells us He is able “…to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations…(because He) has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are…” (AMP)

And, because we have a Savior who knows what fear feels like, He urges us to come and bring our fears to Him so He can help us.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

What are you afraid of today, my friend? Take it straight to God and tell him all about it so He can help you!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!