So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isa. 41:10)
WHEN TEDDY ROOSEVELT was a little boy, he refused to step into his parents’ church—at least alone. When his mother pressed him on the issue, he said he was afraid of the “zeal.” One day, when his mother was reading the gospel of John, she came across the passage that was bothering Teddy: “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up!” (John 2:17 kjv).
Of course, Teddy Roosevelt grew up to be one of the most fearless commanders to ever enter the battlefield. Later, as president, he wrote: “It is not the critic who counts. . . . The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.”
Teddy Roosevelt resolved his fear issues because of the loving and strengthening presence of his mother. Isaiah tells us here that we can resolve our fears by looking to God, and having complete confidence in His sovereignty. No matter where we find ourselves in the world—even in places we’ve ended up involuntarily, God is still with us, protecting us, comforting us, guiding us. We have the promise of God to be sustained no matter what we face. What more could we possibly need?
Thank God for how He has rescued you in the past from impossible situations.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance writer and editor and is on staff with his church as a small-groups coach.
