From Fear to Courage: My Daily Breakthrough with God’s Promises
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
People think I’m a strong person but I’m not. Before the crack of dawn, before my friend even arrives to help me get up, I look to heaven and whisper,
“God, I have no strength for this day. No energy. No courage. But Jesus, you have courage. So, help me be brave today! I can’t do this, but I can do all things through you who strengthens me.”
My pain and paralysis could fill me with fear, but I stay a step ahead of my fears. Every day I turn fear on its head and, in so doing, I become a person of Psalm 34:4: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
The Secret to Fearlessness
Just how does the psalmist find deliverance from fear? Let me tell you a secret which has sustained me these many years in my wheelchair. The secret is revealed in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
God promises that every temptation—every fearful trial or test that comes my way—also comes with a “way out” so I can endure it. Exactly what is that “way out?” It’s the promises of God. I access God’s power against fear as I make each promise of God my own.
Facing Fear in the Night
I remember the time I was in a vacation house with my caregiver. During the night, she stayed down the hall with a baby monitor between our rooms. That way, if I awakened in pain, I could call her to help me reposition in bed.
At 1:00 a.m., I was jolted awake by excruciating pain. I called through the monitor for my friend. When she didn’t respond, I called again. Then, a little louder. Still, no answer.
I drew a deep breath and screamed,
“Help! Help me!”
The house was silent. Fear started turning into panic, but then I remembered Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I prayed,
“Jesus, you tell me to be courageous for you promise to be with me. I need you to make good on your promise right now!”
I started screaming the words of every Bible promise I could think of, hoping my helper would hear me:
“LORD… YOU ARE MY… EVER PRESENT HELP… IN THIS TROUBLE!… YOUR GRACE… IS SUFFICIENT!… YOUR NAME IS… A STRONG TOWER!”
As I cried out the words of every promise, I could feel my fear begin to vanish. Finally, I heard a click on the monitor. My helper came running into the room, anxious and breathless. As she quickly turned me, I felt calm and peaceful. God gave me what he promised in Joshua 1:9… his courage.
Peace from God’s Promises
God gives us his promises so that we might bring each one to him in exchange for the blessings they guarantee. So, the next time you sense fear on the rise, anchor yourself to a Bible promise and hear the voice of your Savior, saying:
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
Ken and I thrive on the promises of God! We could easily say with the psalmist, “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them” (Psalm 119:140). And we do!
-Joni Eareckson Tada
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