Conquering The Fear Of Trials

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.
–Isaiah 43:2

There are some people who are not nearly as afraid of dying as they are of living through a terrible problem, whether it be illness, bankruptcy, or divorce. Perhaps that is you–you are fearful of the trials of this life, not what happens in the next life. That was true of the Christians to whom the book of Hebrews was written. They were fearful of the persecution they were beginning to experience.

What is the antidote to the fear of trials? Faith in God’s protection. We see that illustrated in the life of Moses. Hebrews 11:29 says, “By faith [the Israelites] passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”

As Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and toward the promised land, they came to the Red Sea. They had two choices: they could go forward and drown, or they could stay where they were and face Pharaoh’s army, which was pursuing them. It was not much of a choice. But God said, “Go forward,” and parted the Red Sea. Think of the faith it took to walk between those towering walls of water. Remember, the Israelites had not seen “The Ten Commandments” yet. They just took God at His word and stepped forward in faith, and God supernaturally protected them.

Notice that God did not take the Israelites around the Red Sea or build a bridge so they could cross over the Red Sea. Instead, Hebrews 11:29 says God led them through the Red Sea. They had to walk right down the middle of this obstacle.

The same is true for you and me. Being a Christian does not mean you are supernaturally protected from sickness, financial difficulty, or children who rebel. God does not exempt you from problems, nor does He always deliver you out of problems. But He does promise to walk with you through your problems. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.”

If the fear of trials is keeping you from experiencing God’s blessing in your life, have faith in God’s power to protect you even through trials.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “Fearless Faith” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2020.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org