Facing Your Fears
The first time I took my grand-dog, Sadie on a walk I was surprised to find out that this normally self-assured dog had one huge fear—she was terribly afraid of walking over bridges. On that walk, when we neared a bridge, she crouched down and refused to go any farther, so I picked her up to continue along.
The next walk we were on together, she again hunkered down, but I was able to pull her along even though she had her brakes on. It was a step in the right direction for Sadie in facing her fear; it seemed that on each walk crossing the bridges got a little bit easier.
This past summer, I was impressed with the progress that she had made when she hesitantly walked up to the bridge, put one foot onto the wooden structure and walked carefully along. She was showered with praise and seemed quite pleased with herself. Had she conquered her fears? The next walk would verify her outcome.
So today, we went on our usual route and upon reaching the bridge, there was not one bit of hesitancy; in fact it seemed that she did not even notice that we had arrived at the dreaded bridge. Yes indeed, Sadie had not only faced her fears, but had overcome them one step at a time.
Our fears are the same as Sadie’s; usually they are not worth the effort that we waste worrying about them. The danger is magnified in our minds; we turn it into something that is not reality. We can also learn something from Sadie’s experience. If we face our fears they can usually be overcome one step at a time. There is one advantage that we have over Sadie is that we don’t have to face our fears alone because God promises to be with us holding our hands and helping us along the way.
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
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