Recently, I spoke with a friend who took the pilgrimage to the top of Mount Sinai for the first time. She told me she had two choices for how to climb the mountain: either go on foot or go by camel. The choice by foot was not appealing as it would be more challenging considering she would have to climb 3,750 steps which could take about 3 hours. She chose the camel ride. It was her first time on a camel and compared the ride to a motorcycle ride due to the camel’s swaying gait.
Mount Sinai is a popular pilgrimage sight for many tourists because it is the place where YHWH gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Most tourists start their mountain climb at night so they can be at the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise by daybreak. Her camel was part of a caravan of camels all climbing up the mountain. They were at a height of about 1300 ft when she began to panic. The guide called out to her to relax saying, “Madam, don’t be afraid, the camel knows the way. This is your first time up the mountain but the camel has done this trip before.”
As she told her story I reflected on the many times I felt challenged, without control and fearful. The remarks from her guide struck a chord with me because it reminded me of Yahoshua’s words, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Living a life free from fear is to boldly face challenges and situations that are out of your control; and to do so without being flustered or panicked. In such situations your trust and focus is in YHWH’s promise as stated in Deut 31:6: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified because of them for YHWH your God is with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” And in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
My friend was scared for her life as she rode on the back of a swaying camel higher and higher up the mountain. Unbeknownst to her she was in good hands because the camel would take her safely to her destination. In the same way our God is not surprised by our circumstances and though it may seem daunting to us at that moment, He is aware of all the circumstances that led to this challenging event or situation, so He knows how to unravel it. Again, we are admonished in Joshua 1:9 to “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. For YHWH your God is with you wherever you go.”
In the face of our challenges we must be confident that YHWH is able, He knows all things, His word is true and there is no challenge too difficult for Him. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We read in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Fearful people will panic and become anxious. But, people with faith demonstrate the absence of fear by being courageous and strong, remaining calm and confident that YHWH can and will take control of the situation for He is present in the moment of the challenge. Our success depends on our ability to trust in Him. Many Christians will say I do all of the above but I still panic. Or, one could exercise self control to show a calm exterior while at the same time is fearful inside.
Well, overcoming fear “Is Not As You Perceive”. The most important ingredient in living a life without fear is the present consciousness of YHWH’s presence (you know beyond your intellectual knowledge to a sensory awareness of His presence) that He is in control and regardless of the outcome of the situation you are facing, you are not concerned at all.
Blessings to you!
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