What is your biggest fear? Not a Fear that you can tolerate, but one that sends you running or makes you start hyperventilating. For me, it's definitely spiders and heights. I can't stand either and completely freak out if I'm faced with either of these fears. The worst is when you're the one driving across the boarder and have to keep your eyes open crossing the bridge between Canada and the states. We all have fears, some stronger than others. Really, if we're people of faith, we shouldn't have fear, for we should know that God is always with us. It's not easy, as we're all human and affected in different ways by different things. One way that we can practice growing stronger in faith is through facing the fears we have, asking God to give us courage to face them. Are you ready to face your fears?
Today's Gospel states:'And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"' (Matthew 8:23-27).
Today's reading talks about how we do not need to have any fear in anything, as the Lord is with us. That can be a great challenge, especially if you're the type of person that gets scared by everything. However, God helps us to have courage and face the world with joy. It may not mean completely getting over your fear, but it may lead to tolerating it, or at least growing in relationship with God through asking for His aid as you face your fears. Take some time to pray and ask God to help you face your fears with courage.
Today we pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for helping me to face the fears that I have. Help me to have courage and know that You are always by my side.
I pray in Your most holy name, Amen.
