Fear can be a powerful force in our lives, often shaping our decisions and responses to the realities we face. Sometimes, fear is not just about being afraid of what might happen, but it can also be a tool the enemy uses to lull us into complacency about things we should be preparing for. There are moments when we know something significant is coming—like the end of our lives or a major change—but instead of facing it, we allow fear to convince us to ignore it, hoping it will simply go away. This avoidance doesn’t bring peace; it only delays the inevitable and leaves us unprepared when the moment finally arrives.
I have witnessed firsthand the deep regret and terror in the eyes of those who reached the end of their lives unprepared, despite having years to come to terms with their mortality. Their fear led them to avoid the subject altogether, and when the time came, they were overwhelmed by the reality they had tried so hard to ignore. This is a sobering reminder that ignoring our fears does not make them disappear. Instead, it often robs us of the opportunity to find true peace, reconciliation, and readiness.
We are called to face the realities of life with courage and faith, not to be paralyzed or deceived by fear. Preparation is not a sign of weakness or pessimism; it is an act of wisdom and trust in God. By acknowledging what we fear and bringing it before the Lord, we open ourselves to His comfort, guidance, and strength. Rather than letting fear dictate our actions, we can choose to prepare our hearts and lives, trusting that God will meet us in those places of uncertainty and give us the peace we need.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Fear can be deceptive, sometimes convincing us to ignore the very things we most need to address. When we allow fear to dictate our focus, we risk being caught unprepared for the realities that inevitably come our way. True wisdom is found in facing what we fear, not in pretending it doesn’t exist. [00:05]
- 2. Avoidance is not the same as peace. Ignoring difficult truths or uncomfortable realities may bring temporary relief, but it ultimately leads to greater anxiety and regret when those moments arrive. Lasting peace comes from honest preparation and trust in God’s presence through every season. [00:18]
- 3. The enemy often uses fear to keep us from spiritual readiness, especially regarding matters of life, death, and eternity. By numbing ourselves to these truths, we forfeit the opportunity to experience God’s comfort and assurance in the face of uncertainty. [00:28]
- 4. Facing our fears with faith allows us to live with intention and hope. When we acknowledge what frightens us and bring it before God, we invite Him to transform our anxiety into courage and our avoidance into action. This is how we prepare our hearts for whatever lies ahead. [00:36]
- 5. Preparation is an act of trust, not defeat. By preparing for what is to come—whether it’s the end of life or any significant change—we demonstrate our confidence in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Readiness is a gift we give ourselves and those we love, rooted in faith rather than fear. [00:44]
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