“But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the rule of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe’” (Mark 5:36, ESV).

Four friends and I ran a 30-mile relay through the forest yesterday to benefit cancer victims. It was hard for me in the 83 degree weather. I got lost and ended up running seven and a half miles instead of the six we were each assigned. The last guy in our race was a young fellow in hematology/oncology. We were counting on his speed. He had no concern about completing the race, but he repeatedly said, “My greatest fear is that I’ll get lost. How well is the trail marked?” We assured him he would have no problem. Thirty minutes after he should have finished, he had not; so, we called him on his cell. He told us he had been lost but had finally found the trail. When he completed his race, he had run nine miles. His worst fear had come true.

We all have those worst fears in our lives: making a mistake with a patient’s care, the loss of a child, financial blunders that cost us our home, personal blunders that cost us our reputation, Alzheimer’s dementia, advanced pancreatic cancer, a failed marriage, etc. In numerous parts of the world, the fears are more existential: starving to death, or watching your children killed for their faith in Christ.

What should we do with those worst fears? God, in His Word, repeatedly encourages us, “Do not be afraid.” From Genesis (Genesis 15:1) to Revelation (Revelation 1:17), from Abraham to Jesus, God tells us, “Do not be afraid”—over and over. Since these words come from the One who cried out in Gethsemane, we know fear is not a sin, but it certainly hurts and clouds our way forward. What principles from His Word can help us when we are trapped in the realization that our worst fear may come true?

1. Abide with the One who tells us not to fear (Psalm 91:1-2).
2. Obey the One who tells us not to fear (Joshua 1:7-9).
3. Trust in our God who cares and can (Mark 5:36).
4. Ask first for His glory in our circumstances, as He did on His last night (John 17:4).
5. Use our God-given minds to avoid the object of fear, if that escape remains within His will (Proverbs 27:12).
6. Consider others more than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
7. Remain within biblical boundaries as we avoid the fearful circumstance (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).
8. Understand that our eventual outcome is wonderful (Revelation 21:1-5).

Dr. Joseph Murphy said, “Do not be afraid, the thing you fear may well come to pass, but that is no reason to be afraid.”

And Richard Hipps said, “The worst thing that happens to you will never be the last thing that happens to you. The last thing that happens to you is Jesus.”               

Dear Father,

Let me face my greatest fear with you behind me for protection, beside me for peace and before me for direction.

Amen