01.15.08

"And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." (Matthew 14:26-33).

Peter knew that he was safe when his eyes were focused on Jesus, but the second he looked down and turned his focus on what was around him he became afraid and began sinking in the water. However, when he realized he was afraid he called on Jesus and He was right there to catch him from the fall.

Whether we are Christian's or not we all are going to face situations or people that will cause fear in our lives. Often fear can become so great that we lose focus on everything around us and become victim to it. Even people that are strong in their faith let fear control them one time or another. However, Christian's have one thing going for them, we have our Great and Mighty Jesus Christ to bring us to victory over what controls us.

I will tell you that I grew up in a rather rough part of town and I learned really quick that if I showed any type of fear that I would be the next victim. However, if I went about my day confident that I was safe, alert, and did not focus on what was around me I was a victor.

Was I always a victor?
No, I have fallen victim to fear. My fear was triggered by falling away from God in order to get a taste of the world. I became a victim of fear over a person, I met a guy who I thought was great and as soon as he knew he got me to trust him he introduced me to his crazy lifestyle. Out of fear that he would leave me I continued to do the things that he wanted me to do even though I knew it was wrong. Then he got arrested and right there God was telling me that He freed me from that bondage, but did I listen, no. I stayed in that bondage for three more years trying to free him and giving up everything I had in order to do so only to sink and fall.

Why did I live in fear for so long?
Because I was afraid of being alone, this man took every bit of confidence that I had and deminished it. I was so afraid to be alone that I was a victim to that fear for five years. I imagine that five years is nothing compared to some people who have been living in fear for years or even decades, God bless you. 

How did I become a victor?
I began going to church, I asked God to forgive me and I accepted Jesus into my life once again. The truth is that Jesus was always with me, He was not happy with me, but He was there waiting to catch me from my fall. He let me sink until I realized that I needed Him to catch me. Once I did He caught me and He turned my life around. Of course there are struggles of fear every now and then, but now Jesus yells, "Where is your faith, girl! Be not afraid, you will not fall for I will catch you!"

If you are falling, call on Jesus, no matter what you are going through or what you have done He is right there to catch you. Put your faith in Him and Be Not Afraid, He will turn things around for you.

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