Facing our Fears - Part 2

I love this quote by John Wayne: "Courage is being scared to death . . . but saddling up anyway."

We don't need to get down on ourselves when fear invades our life. It’s what we do with the fear that matters. Even the great apostle Paul experienced fear. He said in 1 Corinthians 2:3, "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." Paul went to the Corinthians in spite of his fear. He "saddled up."

Some of the synonyms for weakness are feebleness, puniness, frailty, helplessness, inability, exhaustion. The word fear means fright, terror, panic, alarm, timidity. Paul felt that way in addition to "much trembling" which is to shake, quake, shudder, shiver.

What caused Paul to go the Corinthians despite his feelings of weakness, fear, and trembling? Obviously, his obedience to Christ overruled his fear. But also, I believe Paul saw his message of the cross so crucial that it overrode any fright he had. Paul loved the Corinthians enough to put aside his fears for their wellbeing.

So what do we do when fear squashes our courage?

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. . .He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:4,8b

Jesus endured the cross for our salvation. Do we love as Christ loved? Are we willing to overcome our fear for the benefit of others? Fear calls us to look inward; courage calls us to look outward and upward.

Sometimes I'm tempted to use my chronic illness as an excuse when God calls me to do something scary. You know what keeps me going? First, thinking about Christ's sacrifice for me. Then, thinking about people like Joni Erickson Tada. I'm sure she's overcome many fears so that God could work through her in an amazing way.

You may be the example of courage that someone is looking for. We never know who's watching our lives. So,ladies, we live in Texas. Next time we’re scared to death to step out in faith and obey God, let’s saddle up anyway!