“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

“Follow peace,” I was told. It sounds like good advice. It’s a nice sentiment, and it certainly sounds spiritual. But I’ve learned that, sometimes, peace doesn’t show up until later. Sometimes you need to do it scared. [Tweet that] And boy, was I scared. I had just contacted a murderer––one that had spent close to a decade in prison at that point––and I had anything but peace in my heart.

Perhaps he’s really good at conning people, I thought. What if he deceives me? What if I’m led astray?

Fears flooded my mind. But I knew what I heard. I knew what God was calling me to do. This was God’s will and Jesus’ direction. I was sure of that.

I prayed for a word from God to ease my mind and was given Psalm 23. The words tasted sweet as they went down, easing my fear-ridden mind.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. – Psalm 23:5

I’ve got you, Jesus said. And the fears ceased.

I didn’t know what God was up to––I didn’t know why He was leading me down this path––but I knew my God was going before me. And that’s all I needed to know.

Has God ever called you to face your fears? Share in the comments.