In 1989 I began sensing the Lord calling me to become an elementary school teacher.  I had thought for years that when my kids were older, I would go to nursing school, but the Lord had another plan.  So, in 1990 I started my five-year college career!  This journal entry was written after graduation.  

From the Journal . . . . July 1996

Lord, I fear teaching, and I am so afraid of failing.  You already know this, of course.  Jesus, how do I start?  What do I need?  What do I do?  Others will expect so much of me, and I don’t know what to do or how to be.

And I Believe God Said:

I have called you.  I have and I am equipping you. 

Hebrews 13:21 may He equip you with all you need for doing His will.
May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen

You fear the unknown but take courage.  You know I will be with you. Have I ever let you down?  Have you ever been humiliated in the presence of others to the point of despair or destruction?  I will never forsake you.  Fear is not a bad thing, but cowardice is.  That is when you won’t do what you should because of your fear.  I know that you are afraid but walk through it.  Like you’ve done before. 

Isaiah 54:4a  “Fear not, for you will not be put to shame; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced; 
 Deut 31:6 ⁶ So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Then the Lord reminded me of personal experiences when I had been fearful and how He took me through each one.

Remember the Firwood Tavern after Mike’s wedding?  Remember chemotherapy?  Teaching Bible study?  Leading worship?  Starting school?  Giving a speech?  Even making certain phone calls? 

1 Chron 16:11-12 Search for the Lord and for His strength;
    continually seek him.
¹² Remember the wonders He has performed,
    His miracles, and the rulings He has given,

I am the God of encouragement. I will encourage you. When you fear, then walk in courage. I won’t fail you.

Josh 1:9  This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I have posted many blog entries with this same theme. I’m worried or in a panic about something and the Lord responds with faithful reassurance. “Do not be afraid.  I am with you.”  He responds in similar ways but sometimes different words.  As I’ve gotten older in my walk with Him, I have more and more experiences of God doing this.   He is always faithful. He is always good. I have reason to hope!!