Face your fear: Why not expect the best?

Nearly thirty-five years ago, I prepared a manuscript for a book titled “Lord, I’m Afraid,” and sent it to a publisher of some of my other books. In the introduction, I wrote the following:

“Fear is a monster that stalks us all. It brings depression, stifles ability, drains energy, diminishes courage and robs life of adventure and success.

“Some fears are real and others are imaginary. Who has not been troubled by some impending tragedy that never happened? In those cases, we are relieved to have escaped unharmed. But have we? Who can tell the impact on our bodies and minds during these times of waiting in fear?”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Along with the manuscript, I enclosed a letter to the publisher’s editor saying this book was intended to provide help for fifty fears. To my surprise, the editor asked if I could double the size of the book and help readers conquer one hundred fears.

One hundred fears?

Are there really that many worry makers to confront in life?

After more thought and study, I realized the editor’s call for doubling the number of fear fighters in my manuscript was correct and the finished copy of “Lord, I’m Afraid” (now out of print), helped many during their trembling times. One woman purchased six hundred copies for gifts to troubled friends and associates.

One of the most effective fear fighters is simply beginning every day thankful. Each morning I give thanks that God is bigger than my fears, better than my faith, richer than my debts and stronger than my enemies.

George Mueller, of Bristol, England, who became known worldwide for his great work of providing for orphans without ever asking for financial help from others, said trials are not the enemies of faith but opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness. This enabled him to start each day expecting his Lord to come through for him regardless of the difficulties he was facing.

A woman in a hospital bed beside which I stood seemed to be near the end of life. Now in her eighties, she had suffered a severe stroke and was in a deep coma. Her heavy breathing added a sad background rhythm to the scene. I prayed for her but with little faith; everything appeared to be so final.

One week later, this one who had seemed so near death came out of her coma and was soon back to her farm home and busy about her housework. Visitors there found her as positive and thankful as before her illness. God had granted her more years to serve Him and she was not surprised. Her additional time to live provided many opportunities to speak to others of His love.

In his book, “God Is My Delight,” noted devotional writer, W. Phillip Keller, wrote, “Steadily, but surely, I have come to realize that every interaction, every command, every principle He has established is for my ultimate good.”

Another has simply said, “God is good all the time!”

So what are we worried about?

The One who loves us is in control.

Why not put away our fears and expect the best?

Roger Campbell was an author, a columnist and broadcaster who was a pastor for 22 years. Contact us at rcministry@ameritech.net.

More in Life

"Octopus" is an acrylic painting by new co-op member Heather Mann on display at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ptarmigan Arts
July First Friday in Homer

Homer’s galleries and public art spaces celebrate with new and ongoing exhibits.

Frank Rowley and his youngest child, Raymond, stand in knee-deep snow in front of the protective fence around the main substation for Mountain View Light & Power in Anchorage in 1948 or ’49. This photo was taken a year or two before Rowley moved to Kenai to begin supplying electrical power to the central peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 2

In July 1946, the soft-spoken Rowley was involved in an incident that for several consecutive days made the front page of the Anchorage Daily Times.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

Graphics show the nine finalists in three age groups for the Soldotna “I Voted” sticker design contest. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna announces finalists for ‘I Voted’ sticker contest

Public voting will be open until July 20 to determine the winners.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Flashback dreams and the cold sweats

When summer arrives, every personage in the known cosmos suddenly seems to remember that they have kindred living in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Freedom is not what you think

If freedom isn’t what we first think it is, what is it?

This is the Kenai Power complex. The long side of the plant faces the Frank Rowley home, seen here at the right side of the photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 1

Frank Rowley made one of the most important steps toward modernization in the history of Kenai.

Most Read