By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“True freedom from fear consists of totally resigning one’s life into the hands of the Lord.” – David Wilkerson

I was terrified. My hands were shaking. I was sweating. My heart was racing. I couldn’t think of a time I was more nervous or scared.

It was my wedding day.

I had just burnt a hole in my only tuxedo shirt (that’s a story for another time), we were running late getting to the venue, and I was nearing on one of the most important days of my life. Maybe I had a reason to be scared.

My dad took me aside and ask me if I was okay. In response, I said something philosophical and profound.

I believe my exact words were, “I’m freakin’ out, man.”

This all changed when my dad prayed with me. We prayed for strength and courage. We prayed that God would give me the guts to get through the day.

By the time he said Amen my fear was alleviated. Like an ice cream cone clutched by a toddler in the middle of July, my anxiety melted away.

Why? How?

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

God does not make you feeble, frightened, or weak. Instead, the Spirit of God will give you the strength and courage you need. He will fill you with His love and enable you to have self-control.

We have no reason to be afraid or nervous. God has already won the battles you are facing. God is greater than the most grandiose wedding, the most intense job interview, the scariest boss, or the most intimidating speech. God is bigger than any situation that troubles you. He is more powerful than any circumstance that makes you break out in a cold sweat.

You have no reason to fear.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4).

What do you fear? What makes you timid or nervous?

Pray that God will give you the strength, courage, and love to face these tough situations.

Watch as you will be able to walk through even the most terrifying situations holding God’s hand.

Parents: Ask your children what makes them nervous. Tell them that God wants to give them the courage to face any situation. Encourage your children to memorize the verses above.