Join us in prayer and daily devotions in partnership with our 12 Team Nicaragua Members!

FEAR: “WHAT IF?”

Daily Scripture (Read Exodus 14)

“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.’” Exodus 14:13

Daily Devotional—Fear: “What If?”

On one of the days during my dad’s trip to Nicaragua, the team was traveling in a boat. Suddenly a monkey jumped on board and tried to grab the wallet and passport of a lady on the team. She panicked. She screeched and hollered and threw her arms around wildly to get rid of the monkey and secure her most valued earthly treasure at that moment – her identity papers! To the others who witnessed the antics, the scene was incredibly funny. The pastor said he’d never laughed so hard. When you observe someone else’s fears, they may seem funny or ridiculous but, to the one experiencing the fear, it’s no laughing matter.

What kinds of new fears do people face if they go on a short term mission? There may be the fear of travelling or getting injured in a foreign country, the fear of insects or nimals, the fear of a traffic accident due to less than safe vehicles and poor road conditions, the fear of a natural disaster while they are away, the fear of getting lost and not being able to speak the language, or the fear of being robbed. Only God can give peace in the midst of uncertainty.

Those of us who remain in Canada may fear things like dying, failure, being abandoned, getting sick, people’s opinions, rejection, uncertainty in the future, and the list goes on.

Exodus 14:13 recalls the story of when Moses told the Israelites how to handle their fear. Rest (Stand still) and watch God handle it. Isn’t that the best advice for all kinds of fears? We need to rest in God’s care for us, who He is and what He is able to do. Not only does He say to “stand still” but after Moses has cried out to God on their behalf, God calls them out of paralysis and into action. He tells them to “move!” and get going and cross the dry land through the Red Sea that His glory might be seen. God acts that they might know “He is the LORD!” He fights for them (v. 25). When the Israelites saw the great power of the Lord, they feared and trusted him anew (v.31).

We can escalate our fears by dwelling on them and feeding them. The Israelites panicked and went on and on about how they wished they had remained slaves to the Egyptians instead of dying in the desert. Clearly, they did not have a sense of the power of God and expectation that He would act to save them. Are you able to control your mind and monitor where you let your thoughts go? Reign in the negative thoughts and turn to prayer and worship. Thank Him for His love and every blessing you can think of…. His provision, His wisdom, His kindness, His timing, and His promises. Godly fear is the secret to pushing back other forms of fears. “When God gets big, everything else seems small.” Expect God to intervene in your situation and He will, and He will enjoy showing more of His strength to you in the process!

What are your worries, concerns or fears today? Give each one over to God and ask for His peace. Walk forward into the day but keep a posture of inner stillness as you wait for God to act and rescue you.

For The Team:

  • What kinds of new fears, worries, or concerns are you facing during this short-term mission? Give each one over to God and ask for His peace.
  • Are you able to control your mind and monitor where you let your thoughts go? Reign in the negative thoughts and turn to prayer and worship.

Pray:

  • Pray that God will show His strength to the Team Nicaragua members when they struggle with fears or uncertainties.
  • Pray for inner stillness for yourself as you wait for God to act and rescue you in times of distress, trouble, worries or concerns.

If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only one way – obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our life, there is only one way – Obey Him. If we always obey impulses of fear or doubt or resentment, what will have authority over our minds? Fear, and doubt and resentment.

Tom Marshall