"Fear Not"

by Dr. Ann Pearson on March 30, 2020

Fear Not: Let your Faith take away all Fear.

This Lenten season has brought about our own wilderness as it relates to the health and well being of each of us and our nation. There is so much uncertainty and that causes fear when we don’t stay focused on our faith.

I can’t begin to imagine how Jesus must have felt during His 40 days in the wilderness. Everything was thrown at Him to break his spirit, to wear Him down and get Him off track and to get Him to succumb to Satan. When we are faced with obstacles that seem like the mountain is too high to climb we can’t quit. We have to believe we are not in this fight alone.

Humanly, fear can affect us in many ways but I want to mention three ways. Many times fear breeds more fear. Our mountains to climb seem to get higher than they actually are. Mark Twain once said, "have been through some terrible times in my life, a few of them which actually happened."

Fear clouds our judgment. Some things appear to be one way but when we have the full picture the situation has more clarity and gives us more perspective. Don’t be consumed by the world’s views yet trust in God’s leading. His word is the truth and the truth shall set you free. (paraphrased from John 8:32)

Fear redirects out energy. Don’t be consumed by the negativity of the world and lose sight of the good in Church. We as the Church have the capacity and ability to spread the Light of Christ in the dark moments of our lives. Let’s be the Church as we are loving and caring for others. Take all the energy we are expending and direct it for God’s kingdom. Remove the fear and let our faith shine. Remember to go to the Lord in prayer and stay in the word of God.

In 2 Timothy 1:7 scripture says, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You are an amazing God and we are so thankful You are steadfast in your love for us. Even when we wander You are faithful to us. You desire good for all your children. You have been with us since our birth and will remain with us till we leave this earth. We give You thanks and praise as we can count on You Lord to be with us always. Hear our prayer this day as we come to You. In Christ’s loving name, Amen.

Peace and Grace,

Dr. Ann Pearson
Director of Caring Ministries

image via Bobbi Hobbs (Battles Wharf, AL)

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

return to Whatever It Takes - Daily Lenten Devotionals