By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

During the 1970s, a ticket vendor at Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens cost the company R3.2 million over a period of two years.. Why? After an overseas tourist shouted at him, the ticket vendor was too scared to ever ask tourists their entrance fee.

A bad experience, failure or disappointment from the past, easily fills us with fear. It robs us of self-confidence and makes us passive. For example, we do not start a business or apply for another job or even give a new relationship a chance, because we are fearful it might fail and cause hurt or disappointment. Fear makes us settle and stay in our comfort zone. However, what we don’t immediately realize is that it also robs us of opportunities to experience God's goodness and kindness in our lives.

In 2 Timothy 1:7 we read:  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Also in Proverbs 3: 23-26, it is written: “Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”

God is our Protector. He is able to free us from fear. May we allow His Spirit to fill us with power, love and a sound mind. And let’s dare to leave the boat and walk on the water towards Him. His eyes are upon us and His hand ready to catch us if we stumble. God bless.

Father God, thank you for setting me free from fear. Help me with (name the area) where fear sometimes tries to overwhelm me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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