4 Ways to Conquer Fear

Fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind. 

dale carnegie

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Ok (rubbing my hands together) here goes.

Enter.

……..(waiting)……..

“Please do not use backspace or close your browser or your information will not be processed.”

Doesn’t this computer KNOW I’m already nervous and playing this waiting game isn’t helping?

……..(waiting)……..

“Your ticket has been purchased. Please print and save your confirmation number. You will receive a verification email shortly.”

I was sweating with nervousness. I was entrusting this airline and it’s airplane to safely get me to my destination.

Trusting an object of the world! First mistake.

Did I mention I was nervous?!

Completely faithless!

My first time on an airplane (TWA) headed to Illinois for a college retreat, to help build trust and confidence in others (haha – the irony in that!)

First, three days prior to my departure, a TWA airplane crashed 12 minutes after take-off and everyone aboard perished. Not to mention, it was the third deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history.

Wouldn’t you have been afraid too?!

I almost wanted to just say, “Forget learning how to build trust and confidence in others! I want off this plan and they can figure out how to gain trust and confidence WITHOUT me!”

Second, it was going to be my first time 32,000 feet above the ground.

What if…

• the plane crashed like it did three days prior?
• my luggage was left behind?
• the plane went to the wrong destination?
• the navigational system failed and whatever compass the airplane used showed the wrong direction?

I had too many questions and I know they were all generated based on my fear.

In my fear, tears and all, I called my husband, my boyfriend at the time. I needed him to tell me not to worry and that it was going to be ok. I didn’t pray (I know I should have).

Finally, it was time!

I could hear my fate over the loudspeaker!

“Now boarding first class passengers.”

Whew! I had at least another 5 minutes.

“Now boarding passengers with ticket seats in ambassador seating.”

I had at least another 5 minutes.

“Now boarding passengers with ticket seats in coach.

(gasping) MY turn! It was such a long walk down the ramp to the plane and an even longer walk to my seat.8

God was REALLY testing my fear barometer

Once I sat down, I closed my eyes, exhaled, and replayed my boyfriend’s message again in my head – “It’s going to be ok. You will be safe and God will make sure you reach your destination.”

At that moment I realized that instead of being nervous and afraid I just needed to pray! Why wasn’t that my FIRST thought, my FIRST reaction?!

I asked my “seat companion” if she would pray with me. She smiled such a comforting smile, placed her hand on my hand and begin praying.

Not with me but for me!

God placed this angel next to me to remind me that He is ALWAYS with me! Her prayer made me realize how my fear was manufactured and not real.

My fear was because I didn’t first go to God. But, despite all that, He gently reminded me that we have to go through certain experiences in order to be reminded of THIS lesson…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

It’s amazing the comfort that comes from prayer. Before I realized it, we were in the air. My seat companion and I began talking and laughing as if we were old friends!

In moments of our greatest fear we must remember to turn to God and ask Him for protection. Ask Him to be with us, give us peace, and the security to know that fear is just our imagination.

We must allow God to navigate our way.

1. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

2. “For God had not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

3. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

4. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31: 6-8

How have you or did you overcome a fear?

xoxo, Natashia