February 26, 2021
Alleviating the Fear in Front of You
TRACIE BRAYLOCK
Lee en español
“It is the LORD who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (AMP)
We stood outside the patient’s room taking turns approaching the door and turning away in fear.
It was our first clinical day in the hospital as nursing students. And although my friend and I had been assigned to care for the same patient, neither of us seemed to have the courage to enter the room. We spent several minutes going round and round saying, “You go!” “No! You go!” trying to convince one another to be first to take what seemed like such a monumental step.
Our freshly pressed uniforms, just-out-of-the-box stethoscopes and note-laden clipboards only meant we looked the part. We didn’t know what to expect on the other side of the door, and the thought of disturbing a stranger seemed unbearable.
After pausing for a moment, I realized how ridiculous we would look to our professor if she saw our behavior, and I finally decided to open the door. Stepping into the room, I expected my friend to be right behind me. But to my surprise, she didn’t follow.
Of course I felt like running to go get her, but instead, I began to talk with the patient.
My newness was probably obvious as I fumbled over my words and stood unsure about how close was a comfortable distance between us. But this truly wasn’t about me and the fear I was feeling. It was about this patient, who was waiting to be cared for.
The patient needed pain medication, and our fear-filled hesitation was holding up the process.
Dear friend, have you paused to consider who’s waiting for you to follow through on your assignment? When you’re terrified, don’t know what to expect or have to go alone, remember that there is someone waiting on you to say yes to what God is calling you to.
Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “It is the LORD who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
So when fear has a grip on you, keeping you paralyzed and unable to proceed, remember that the Lord is with you. He will not fail or abandon you. He’s worthy of your trust, and the work you’re uniquely capable of completing is worth the effort.
That day in clinicals, taking the first step toward completing my assignment enabled me to become a helper instead of a hindrance to someone in need. While in the presence of my patient, I remembered exactly why I was there and the work that needed to be done.
God knows when you’re approaching your assignment and turning away in fear. He’s patiently waiting for you to sit in His presence so you can become familiar with what He wants to do in your life, and begin taking action toward accomplishing it.
Trust that God has your best interest at heart and is with you every step of the way.
Dear God, right now, I say yes to the assignments You’ve given me. If I experience fear, remind me of Your presence and the purpose You’ve placed in me. Help me to take the first step knowing You’ll never leave or fail me. You are trustworthy, and I desire to follow Your lead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 41:13, “For I the LORD your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’” (AMP)
Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].” (AMP)
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REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What current assignment is fear keeping you from completing? How has God helped you during a fearful time in your life? Use God’s past faithfulness and promises to propel you into your task today.
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© 2021 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org