Good Morning, Ladies!
It’s another sweltering morning here in beautiful Knysna. The sun is already blazing, promising a hot day ahead, while a gentle breeze drifts over the bow of our boat. It slips through the hatch in the V-berth, bringing just the faintest hint of relief, though not nearly enough to break this lingering heat. Life on the water has its own rhythm, and mornings like this remind me to embrace the stillness and find joy in the small moments—like the sound of the breeze, the glimmer of sunlight on the waves, or the promise of God’s mercies, fresh as the day begins.
I’ve been reflecting a lot on fear over the last two weeks. It’s a thread that’s woven through so many seasons of my life, from childhood to adulthood. As a little girl, I was fearless enough to sneak up and scare my brothers in the dark, delighting in their startled reactions. But somewhere along the way, that boldness faded. I became the girl—and later the woman—who feared the dark and the shadows it concealed.
I remember the day we traded our car for a revolver. Looking back, that should have shaken me to my core, realizing just how tightly fear had gripped me. At the time, though, I couldn’t see it clearly. Fear was like a fog, blinding me to the freedom I could have had in trusting God. It consumed my thoughts, overwhelmed my emotions, and left me unsure of how to escape its grasp.
Now, as a maturing Christian in Christ, I can look back and recognize the enemy’s hand in those moments. He’s subtle, isn’t he? Fear rarely comes crashing in like a storm; it creeps in quietly, whispering in the stillness, feeding on uncertainties and magnifying the “what-ifs.” It lingers in the unknown, building walls where faith was meant to flourish.
We live in a world that constantly gives us reasons to be afraid—losses, struggles, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds. It’s no wonder fear often feels overwhelming. But as daughters of the Most High, we are not called to cower in its shadow. Fear may knock, but it’s faith that holds the key to freedom.
God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). That truth doesn’t just remind me of who I am—it reminds me of whose I am. Every time the enemy tries to sneak fear into my heart, I’m learning to call it what it is: a lie. Fear has no place in the life of someone who is rooted in Christ.
Ladies, we are not called to tremble in fear but to trust in the One who holds the future. Fear may whisper, but God’s Word speaks louder. Let us lean into His promises, for in Him we find the courage to stand firm, even when the shadows feel overwhelming.
Trusting in the Midst of the Storm
Peter knew what it was to tremble. He stepped out onto the water, eyes locked on Jesus, and for a moment, faith carried him where feet were never meant to tread. But the moment his gaze shifted to the wind and waves, fear took hold, and he began to sink.
Jesus didn’t rebuke the storm. He didn’t still the waves in that moment. Instead, He reached out His hand and asked, “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). The storm was never the problem—doubt was.
The Enemy Feeds on Fear
The enemy knows that a trembling heart is a distracted heart. When we allow fear to take root, we become consumed with the what-ifs instead of standing firm in what is. We hesitate when God calls us forward, we hold back when He asks us to trust, and we build barriers instead of bridges of faith. But fear is a liar.
God’s Word reminds us over and over again: Do not fear. Do not be anxious. Do not be dismayed. Why? Because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10). His presence is our anchor, His promises our foundation. The more we lean into Him, the less room fear has to grow.
Choosing Trust Over Trembling
So, how do we trust when trembling feels easier? How do we shift our hearts from fear to faith?
Overcoming Fear: Practical steps that can refocus your mind:
1. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
- Key Verse: Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
- Practical Steps:
- Refocus Daily: Just as Peter walked on water when his gaze was fixed on Jesus (Matthew 14:29-30), we must daily refocus on Christ through prayer and Scripture.
- Limit Distractions: Fear often arises when we give too much attention to our problems. Choose to meditate on God’s Word instead.
- Worship Through Fear: Play worship music, sing, and declare who God is when fear creeps in. Worship shifts our focus from fear to faith.
2. Stand on His Word
- Key Verse: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Practical Steps:
- Memorize Key Verses: Have Scriptures ready to combat fear, just as Jesus used the Word against the devil (Matthew 4:4,7,10).
- Speak the Word Aloud: Declare God’s truth over your life. Fear fades where truth reigns.
- Journal His Promises: Write down verses that give you courage and revisit them in moments of doubt.
3. Remember His Faithfulness
- Key Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
- Practical Steps:
- Create a Testimony Journal: Write down answered prayers and moments where God has come through for you.
- Reflect on Past Victories: Just as David remembered God’s help against the lion and bear before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37), recall how God has helped you in the past.
- Encourage Others: Share your testimonies with others to build faith and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
4. Pray for Boldness
- Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Practical Steps:
- Ask for Courage Daily: Just as the early church prayed for boldness (Acts 4:29-31), ask God to strengthen you.
- Declare God’s Strength: Remind yourself that boldness comes from Him, not your own strength.
- Practice Trusting God: Face small fears first, knowing God is with you. Over time, boldness will grow.
5. Step Forward in Faith
- Key Verse: Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Practical Steps:
- Take the First Step: Fear often paralyzes us, but faith requires action. Obey even when you don’t fully understand.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragers: Walk with people who will remind you to keep going.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward in faith builds confidence in God’s power.
God Has Called You to Walk in Trust
The enemy would love nothing more than to keep you trembling—afraid to step out, afraid to surrender, afraid to trust. But God is calling you higher. He is calling you to believe beyond what you see, to walk in faith even when the waters seem deep, and to trust that He is already in the places He’s asking you to go.
So today, choose trust over trembling. Choose to fix your eyes on the One who holds your tomorrow. Choose to rest in the arms of the One who has never failed you and never will.
Because God has called you to trust, not tremble.
Heavenly Father,
You are the God who calms the storms and strengthens the weak. Lord, I confess that fear often grips my heart, making me hesitate when You call me to trust. But today, I choose faith over fear. I choose to fix my eyes on You instead of the uncertainties around me.
Help me to stand on Your promises and not be swayed by the winds of doubt. Remind me of Your faithfulness and the countless times You have carried me through the impossible. Lord, when fear whispers lies, let Your truth be louder. When anxiety creeps in, let Your peace guard my heart and mind.
Fill me with boldness to step forward, even when I do not see the whole path ahead. Let my life be a testimony of trust in You. I surrender my worries, my fears, and my trembling heart into Your hands.
Thank You for being my refuge, my strength, and my ever-present help in times of trouble. I trust You, Lord, and I know that You will never fail me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
