“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Isabelle wasn’t coming down without a fight. Our 6-year-old had just climbed thirty-five-foot rock face like a seasoned pro. She had no problem navigating the various rock formations, easily finding a handhold here, a foothold there. Avid rock climbers, my husband and I were beaming with pride when she did it all by herself.
Once she got to the top, her dad talked her through what she needed to do to come back down to the ground. She had done it at least a dozen times in the past, so we were confident she would descend easily without a problem. Suddenly, though, her foot slipped. She spun around, slammed her elbow against the rock wall, and ended up dangling in the air. All I heard was her blood-curdling scream. Actually, it was a series of screams. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so panicked.
We tried to calm her down, but it was no use. Nothing we said got through to her. Between sobs, she cried out, “I’m scared! I can’t do it! My elbow hurts! I don’t know what to do!” She was paralyzed with fear and determined to stay right where she was until her father came to her rescue.
As a parent, it was frustrating for me to see my daughter struggle, especially when she didn’t have to. I tried to remain patient and loving, but after several unsuccessful attempts to coax her down, I began to get angry. Why wouldn’t she let us help her? Didn’t she trust us? Couldn’t she see we weren’t going to let her fall?
Eventually, my husband climbed up to her. At first, Isabelle didn’t even want his help and refused to move toward him. Stubborn girl. Eventually, though, she took her father’s hand and slowly made her way to the ground. She cried the whole way down.
As we drove home, I thought about how often I am just like Isabelle. Many times I’m hanging out on the side of a mountain in my life, white-knuckled with worry and fear. All I can think about are the what-ifs: What if I can’t do it? What if I make a mistake? What if I get hurt? I cry out to God for His help, but when He reaches out to me, I resist. Yet, the Lord is always the perfect parent. He doesn’t chastise or condemn. He simply waits patiently until I get my act together. If I refuse to submit and remain in rebellion, he comes to my rescue. He brings me back to Himself, even if I kick and scream all the way.
God loves us and wants the best for us. All we have to do is trust Him. Our Father has a tight grip and won’t ever let us go.
Lord, because You are with me, I have nothing to fear. Thank you for giving me strength when I am weak. You are my Rock, and I put my trust in You alone.
Kristen,
It has been an exciting journey, following your daily inspiration during this fast. As I read this morning “God will” my spirit was was ignited with a fresh burst of courage, faith, and bulldog tenacity in my pursuit to “know the Lord.” Like Abram we too struggle with fear of the unknown, however, it is liberating to know with confidence that “the prime mover” in our lives is God Himself. Thanks, for your inspiration to the body of Christ as we all “press in to know the Lord.”
Shalom,
Jacinth
Kristen I have just watched the video and am looking forward to reading and using your book i am 71 years old and about to do my first Daniel fast, I am a born again christian, and I have been in church that fasted once a week, and church that didn’t fast at all, like you after listening to your video, i feel a little cheated, not ever being taught the real concept and blessing in fasting, I did it because the church said so, and it was a part of what they did, i always felt it could be more beneficial to me if I understood it more, and I was not seeking the word like I should or i would have found the experience of Daniel. all that said i am eager to began this fast, my only concern is that my church is not doing it and i don’t fear doing it alone I just wish it was with my church, but God has made a way for me to have support through my grand-daughters church who will be doing the Daniel Fast and I will have a support system, and maybe i will be able to share this in my own church and encourage them toward next year. thank you for allowing God to use you in such an awesome way to reach out to people, i am going to attempt to purchase your book today so that I can prepare myself, I have talked to my husband and if he chooses not to join me I have his support and prayers, pray for me, I am in a unusual place spiritually at this time, and the enemy wants to play tricks with my age, but I know God is,
and he will be with me through this and I will be blessed as i go through this fast, I know in my spirit that I will come out of this a victor.
Barbara, all I can say, is praise the Lord! Your comment encouraged me so much. I love the fact that at 71, you’re still pressing on to know God. That’s what this fast is all about. You’re never too old! Don’t listen to the enemy’s lying voice because YOU CAN DO THIS FAST with God’s help. Have you signed up for the January 2014 Online Daniel Fast through my website? I would highly encourage you to do so, because you will be joining thousands of believers who are fasting and praying at the same time. Every day you’ll receive an email from me with a devotion, prayer focus, and other helpful information. I hope you are able to get my book and that it’s a blessing to you. Thank you for sharing your heart. I know your words will encourage others. May the Lord bless you in mighty ways as you hunger for Him! 🙂
Thank you for the reminder
. Jesus is the Rock trust only him I want so badly to do the Daniel fast. Afraid that i will not totally commit.
Erica, it’s normal to be afraid to fast. You are certainly not alone. However, don’t let fear keep you from the blessing. A verse that comes to mind is, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you (Psalm 56:3).” God will give you the strength you need to complete the fast. However, you have to trust him and lean on him, not your own willpower. He will provide the determination and perseverance to stay committed. When do you plan to do the fast? Keep in mind that I lead an online Daniel Fast in January. That might help you to stay on track. Every day I send out an email to everyone who is signed up, and there is a strong sense of community as we seek the Lord together. Email me if you have any questions. May the Lord bless you richly as you hunger for Him!
Thank you.for the bible verse. Kristen, Wow you really read these. This is my first time doing this also. I started my fast today… Your response has made me really happy, Continue to do the work of the lord. I have allowed fear to interrupt my life in more than one area. I am ready to fight the good fight. When I am afraid,I will trust in the lord.with determination and perseverance. Erica
Erica, I pray God blesses you in big ways on your fast! When you struggle with fear, focus on what God says to be true. Just last night I spoke to a group of ladies on resting in God’s peace. The key to entering into that peace is time in the Word every day in and prayer. God is faithful to help you when you struggle. He loves you! Another great verse to remember is Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” When you feel afraid and CHOOSE to trust in God, you WILL have his peace. Bless you, friend!
Hello, I know that am probably not doing this right but i have to tell you! I am on day 12 of my fast and your book is great.On day 11 I felt low and sad about my my situations that I am currently experiencing.. After I cried and prayed> I realized that the enemy new my flavor and slipped in my thoughts. I rebuked it immediately! He is mad because Erica finally committed to something for two weeks straight!! Wow… Not only something but to the Heavenly Father! I choose to Trust in God!
Way to go, Erica! Way to show the enemy you can do all things through Christ! You did the right thing by crying out to God instead of letting yourself fall into a pit of despair. You keep claiming those promises, girl, and watch God do the miraculous in the last 9 days of your fast. Thanks for your kind words about my book. I’m thankful God is using it to encourage you on this journey. I pray God blesses you richly as you hunger for Him!
Such a powerful example of how we act through fear sometimes. Thank you for the beautiful reminder to simply take God’s hand and trust Him, even in our fears. Thank you!
Fear can be crippling, and can take over. it is encouraging to know that God is always ready to take us through….