Don’t Be Afraid!

Remembering how God has helped other women facing terrifying times can encourage us to approach Him for help with our worries as well. He reaches out His hand and says, “Fear not, I will help you”!

Times are scary right now. While all are vulnerable, women are usually much more so, especially those who are alone for whatever reason. We are often less financially stable and less likely to have much of a financial, or even social, safety net.

Now is the time to remember the women whose lives God honored as monuments to faith and courage.

Women of faith and courage

Remember elderly Anna, a widow long alone, who served in the temple continuously with prayer and thanksgiving. She, along with Simeon, was honored to see the infant Messiah and to speak to others of Him.

Remember Mary, who through courage not only bore and raised our Savior, but also saw it through to the bitter end. She did not fail in heart at the crucifixion, but stood with Him to His last breath, as did other women of faith with her. We, too, can choose to stand with her Son, our Leader, to our last breaths.

Remember Deborah, who did not desire leadership but, when called upon, stepped out in faith with boldness and courage. We are in times when likely every woman will be called upon, in one form or another, to courageously step out in like faith. In doing so, you will be an inspiration to others.

God’s light cannot be hidden, and the more it shines, the more we will stand out and will be called on to give answers. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of women whose lights shone in humility, graciousness, faith and love.

Remember Esther, who valiantly rose to the occasion for her people, encouraged by the words of Mordecai, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Remember Abigail, “a woman of good understanding,” who worked through a difficult situation with wisdom and humility.

Remember the “Virtuous Woman” of Proverbs 31 and the five wise virgins who kept their lamps full.

Remember how God fed the widow of Zarephath and her son through famine, never allowing the little meal and oil to run out. She nearly lost it all, but God would not let her fall. He is our truest safety net in life.

Remember Moses’ mother, who feared not the king’s commandment in one of Israel’s darkest hours. Remember Rahab, who alone risked her life to protect the Israelite spies and did not perish because of her faith.

Remember Sarah, who received strength and power to conceive seed “because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”

Remember that even if you are feeling alone, vulnerable, afraid and helpless, that God’s hand is not shortened that He cannot save.

The silver platter

Remember to not be afraid to bring before God’s throne the things that are most frightening. Picture in your mind that you are bringing those scary things to God on a giant silver platter, then put them where they properly belong, in His hands to take care of.

Most often for women these concerns involve worries about finances, but especially family or friends. Remember that as much as we love them, our love pales into insignificance compared to the love our Father and Savior have for all humanity.

Of late, I confess to coming before God’s throne with a platter heaped high with serious concerns, pains and some deep fears. Other women tell me they have been there too. And we have all experienced leaving there with a peace that passes all understanding. The issues are real, but so is the peace. Ask for it, expect it and remember that in our human state fear is ever near us, but God’s Spirit will cast it out.

Now is the time …

Remember the old typing practice phrase, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country”? Well, now is the time for all women of God to come to the aid of their country—i.e., each other, family, friends and especially the temple of God’s people spread out throughout the world. We can rise to the occasion and help each other through encouragement, thanksgiving, love and the faith given to us by our Father.

Remember that our lives revolve around God our Father, not Wall Street, other people, our jobs, our retirement plans or whatever.

The offered hand

Remember that our big Brother is always there, always encouraging us and reaching out to help His little sisters. Remember what He tells us in one of my favorite verses, Isaiah 41:13: “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.”

Reach out your hand to take the hand He is offering. Remember, and don’t be afraid!

Dee and her husband, Clyde, serve in the ministry in North Carolina. She’s passionate about living God’s ways and studying His Word, and especially enjoys learning about the roles of godly women. She loves spending time with family and friends and fishing and camping with her grandkids!

See Dee Kilough's previous post: "Let God Write the Story of Your Life."