By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (1 Peter 3:13-15a)
Every fall and spring my ministry team works the pledge drive for a local Christian radio station in our area. In exchange, we are awarded airtime to advertise our programs.
The first time we participated in the campaign, I was quite nervous. The program director sent out a Power Point presentation to teach us how to navigate their computer system, but after reading through the training documents, I was even more anxious because I comprehend much better through hands-on experience. Reading about the process through a training seminar wasn’t particularly helpful.
One the day that we were scheduled to help, we each sat down at our work post which consisted of a phone and computer. My palms were sweaty and my stomach felt nauseous. I was practically immobilized with fear and couldn’t bring myself to answer the ringing phone. My heart raced while a battle in my mind ensued: what if the person on the other end is callous? What if I mess up and say the wrong thing? What if I enter the wrong information? What if… what if… what if?
The program director must have sensed my anxiety because he came over to encourage me. “Go ahead,” he coaxed. “After a few times you will feel more at ease.”
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
He was right! Although I stumbled through the first few calls, the donors were very patient with me, and by the end of the evening, I was actually having fun! In time, I grew so comfortable answering each call that I couldn’t wait for my phone to ring. Afterwards, we all agreed the experience was a true blessing, and I told the program director to count us in for the next pledge drive.
Fear is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for Christians today. More than any other command in the Bible, God tells us to fear not. Why? Because God knew it would be one of our biggest stumbling blocks. He understood how much fear would hinder our spiritual growth and progress.
Every time we step out in faith and overcome our fears, we are blessed. God pours out spiritual blessings and strengthens our faith for the next time. During that pledge drive, every time I answered the phone, God stepped in and gave me the courage to carry out my job efficiently.
If we never step out of our comfort zone, we miss wonderful opportunities to see God at work. When we are weak, He is strong!
The Almighty will help you overcome your fears – just like He did for me.
“So do no 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.” (Isaiah 41:10)