[Best of 2011] #10 When You’re Paralyzed with Fear

By Allen White

So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:26-31

Fear is a powerful weapon. Some fear losing a job. Others fear failure if they take a risk. Some fear losing a relationship, because it needs to be improved. Still others fear rejection to the point of losing who they really are.

On day in a doctor’s waiting room, I witnessed a man who literally had trouble leaving the office. As he approached the door, he reacted as if he were about to cross a pool of piranhas or face a rabid dog. He even let out a little verbal panic.

He found a chair and sat down. A nurse offered to help him. He promised that if he sat for a minute, he would be okay.

I’m not sure what condition he was dealing with, but as he sat there by the door griped in fear, I thought, “He’s not the only one paralyzed over crossing a threshold.” Occasionally, it’s me, but not in that way.

Looking back over life, we can all identify times of uncertainty. At the time, we made some pretty risky moves. Now with 20/20 hindsight, we see some right moves, we see some wrong moves, and we see some lessons learned.

Jesus clearly identifies the obstacles and fears that surround following after Him. He has a mission for all of His disciples. That mission comes with an emotional price, and possibly a physical price as well. But, Jesus’ instructions are “do not be afraid.”

We don’t need to fear the secret schemes of others. We don’t need to wrestle with them in the muck. Whatever is being said and done behind our backs will be shouted from the rooftops. How do we know? Jesus said it.

We don’t even need to fear those who will do physical harm. That doesn’t give license for unnecessary risk. But, if God is watching over every little bird in creation, He is certainly watching over us.

When it comes to being afraid, it’s better to respect God who has control over both body and soul rather than those who can merely harm the body. That seems extreme. But, the concept goes a long way. Don’t worry about the opinions of people who barely know you. Honor the opinion of God who knows everything about you and loves you incredibly.

Who or what do you fear the most? What are you afraid to lose? An opportunity, a business, your reputation, a relationship? What are you allowing to be more powerful in your life than God? As you honor God by making him the “E.F. Hutton” in your life, He will put your fears in their place.