FACE YOUR FEARS

Dearest Gentle Reader,

This time last week, I most definitely would not have had the courage to tell you this.

Because while I had found the strength to face some fears in my life, there were others that ate so deeply into me that I could not confront them. Not because I was crippled by them, but because I did not realize that I had slowly taken on the identity of that fear as my natural disposition.

The irony of convincing yourself of something for so long is that it eventually forms a mindset so strong that it becomes a stronghold.

But as I studied today, I came across Luke 14:1–6, and suddenly, something dawned on me.

Jesus accepted the invitation of a Pharisee — one of the very people who constantly sought to persecute and trap Him during His ministry on earth. And He knew.

He knew He was being watched.
He knew there was trickery behind the invitation.
He discerned their intentions completely.

Yet He still showed up anyway.

Not timidly.
Not anxiously.
Not apologetically.

He showed up in the fullness of who He was.

And not only did He sit at their table, He taught them there.

I was shocked.

Because honestly?
Even if I discerned the trap by the Spirit and had a knowing that I would be fine regardless, I most likely would not go. I called it wisdom.

And immediately, Psalm 23 came alive in my heart:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

Last week, while facing one of my own fears, I had to cling tightly to God’s Word.

I kept saying to myself:

“No shaking.
Nothing do me.
The child of a lion is a lion.
And my Father is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”

Even though everything in me wanted to run away, I brought my flesh under submission, and by the grace of God, I executed that assignment thoroughly.

So, Dearest Gentle Reader…

No shaking.

Even if your flesh is crumbling under the weight of fear — no shaking.

So far as you know that God is with you, though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will walk majestically, fearing no evil.

Even if you find yourself dining among enemies, nothing shall harm you.

Because He has given His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

Thank you for reading.

Till I write again,
Oluwatosin 🌹