Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway - - Matthew 1; Luke 1
Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 - (Jan. 2-8)
The title of the book by Susan Jeffers, Feel the fear and do it anyway, came to my mind as I saw a pattern in the two stories of Joseph and Mary being visited by Gabriel, the angel found in Mathew 1 and Luke 1. Consider these parallels:
The angel called them both by name and shared evidence he knew them personally. “Joseph, thou son of David” (Matthew 1:20) and to Mary, “…blessed are thou among women” (Luke 1: 28).
“Fear not” was the first action the angel asked of them. I’m not sure that took away their fear or anxiety, but there was enough assurance that they didn’t run away or stop listening.
He then outlined for them what they needed to do. For Joseph it was to take Mary as a wife (Matthew 1:20). For Mary, “thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:31).
The messenger ends both conversations with the “why” of these requests. “…for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) and “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32).
When you hear the Holy Ghost or feel the nudge to do something frightening or uncomfortable, try applying this same pattern:
Remember that They know your name, your unique gifts and talents and what education you need to return to Them. They also know how you can be of service to others and to growing up the kingdom of heaven on earth.
The commandment to “fear not” is found 76 times in the scriptures so it’s an important one to learn. Through practice and experience, we can eventually replace fear with faith, especially with this great promise, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
Do whatever you’re prompted to do. Let the Spirit guide you. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
While we may not know the why of a specific action, we can trust that it will be to grow or protect us individually or to be the hands of God in serving others.
“Wherefore, be of good cheer and do not fear. For I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you, and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ” (DC 68:6)