Got Fear?

Lake living has produced fear among my three young ones. We've encountered yellow jackets, red wasps, ants (thankfully not the native Texan fire ant!), brown recluses, an angry septic tank (going awry again...) and snakes of all manner.

Poor Jason has taken the brunt of all encounters...facing the physical pain of some stings, working on the tank and disposing of our slithering "friends". For no longer than we've actually lived here, the kids fear has them looking up, down and both ways before they exit the house. If only they'd pay that much attention when we cross the street!

I was thinking about their fear the other day and how it bothers me. I don't want them to be afraid. I don't want them to shy away from exploring and playing outside. I want them to learn that more often than not, you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. There's no reason to be afraid.

As I'm thinking about them, reality hits hard.

I've got my own set of fears.

My fear may not stem from creepy, crawly, creatures, although I could seriously do without seeing another snake ever again in my lifetime.

But this fear...of the unknown, or worse yet, failing on this journey can consume at times.

What if something happens and Jason doesn't get his training in September, or can't handle it?

What happens next?

What if we don't get all of our support and can't go as planned...or at all?

What will we do?

What will people think?

The maddening game of "what if's" creep in magnifying doubts and insecurities already deeply implanted. Those thoughts that plague my mind are much like the worry and fear my own kids have about stepping outside.

Then the Lord reminds me through His word...

He is in control. (Prov. 19:21, Romans 8:28)

He is the one who fights for us and calms our fears. (Ex.14:14, Is. 12:2, Is. 41:13)

He is the one that has had the plan from the beginning. (Eph. 2:10, Jer. 29:11-13)

I am sure to fail in my own flesh, but He is always there, always loving, always reassuring...and giving His peace. (Ps. 73: 23-24, Ps. 139, Phil. 4:6-7)

Through my weakness (yes, even fear) He is made stronger. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Countless verses...reminders of His love for me and the strength He gives.

With Him, I can walk fearlessly and boldly into whatever the future holds.