The Lord said to [Gideon]: "Peace be with you! Do not be afraid" (Judges 6:23)
Cleotis, 10, fishing for the first time. Looking into the bait can, he seemed reluctant to start. Finally she said to my husband, "Please, STC!" When my husband asked what the problem was, Cleotis replied, "STC! I'm Afraid of Worms!" Fear had rendered him unable to act.
Fear can paralyze adults too. Gideon must have been afraid when an angel of the Lord came to him while he was threshing wheat in secret, hiding from his enemies, the Midianites (Judges 6:11). The angel said that he had been chosen by God to lead His people in battle (verses 12-14).
How did Gideon respond? "Oh my Lord, how shall I save Israel? Behold, my people are the smallest of the tribes of Manasseh, and I am the youngest of my clans" (verse 15). After the Lord assured him that He would be with him, Gideon still looked afraid and asked for a sign that He would actually use himself to save Israel as He had promised (verses 36-40). And God answered Gideon's request. The nation of Israel succeeded in war and then enjoyed security for forty years.
We all have a variety of fears, from the fear of worms to the fear of war. Gideon's story teaches us to believe in one thing: If God asks us to do something, He will give us the strength and power to do it —AMC
TO DRIVE FEAR OUT OF YOUR LIFE
TRUST IN THE LIVING GOD
TRUST IN THE LIVING GOD
*) Take from Daily Meditation