#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.
” As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.”
Exodus 14:10, (NIV)
When I first read this verse, I was a bit taken aback—I thought we were writing on how not to be afraid. This verse does not tell me that I should not be afraid..or does it? Actually, god must have directed Nichole to choose this verse for me because it was exactly what I needed in my life when it came. Right now, I am dealing with seemingly insurmountable forces in my work. Pharaoh is approaching. Everywhere I look there are “Egyptians” in the form of problems that seem in surmountable—illness when I want to work, marketing my books, conferences I did not learn of until it was too late to apply, performance venues that should be open to me coming as a storyteller or a write, that are suddenly closed. Today one such example reared its scary head in an email. I am not terrified in the same way the Israelites are—but I am do become fearful and anxious, and in the past, this has often led to the path of complete inaction in those areas. I cross off things when what I should be doing is looking to the Lord, crying out to HIM for help.
He saved the Israelites. He is the God of all things. He can direct me in this situation. Some of what I find may be doors He is closing (in that case, I need to trust He will open others!). Above all, I do not need to resort to anxiety or fear. I need to fix my eyes and hope on HIM, not the negative responses, the problems (my personal Egyptians).
Thank you, Lord for providing for all situations in your word and for sending it to us, as you send us your help—when we cry out for it, when we need it.
Joan Leotta is a writer and story performer of folktales and historic women. She is the author of four young adult-Wmeon;s fiction books with Desert Breeze, four picture books with Theaq and Simply a Smile, a collection of award-winning short stories.
Defying Shadows 