Encouragement

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Fear Not!
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Sylvia McCann was barely twenty-one. Sylvia was a shy young woman from small town Oklahoma who had never been in charge of anything growing up. Just two day before Sylvia had been promoted an Army Specialist, a rank of leadership and responsibility. When she looked on the Platoon bulletin board, there it was—her name and next to it—Squad Leader. Now Specialist McCann was terrified. Then she thought: “I’ll befriend Sergeant Barbara Shadid. Sergeant Shadid is smart and really friendly. She’ll help me! She also has lots of experience in leading Squads, Platoons and Companies.”

Then, the day before the Platoon field training exercise, word came that Sergeant Shadid’s mother was critically ill. She had to fly more than a thousand miles to her parents’ home in Ohio. Specialist McCann was left in charge of not just a ten person squad but a forty person platoon. Specialist McCann panicked. “How do I request the materiel I’ll need? How much is enough? What time do we start this exercise? Where is the CD’s telephone number?”

Just before she entered Sergeant Shadid’s office, Specialist McCann decided to take her problem to God. “Lord,” she prayed, “I really don’t know what I’m doing. You know me. I’m shy, not very bright and I’m so scared. Now I have the platoon field training exercise and I’m overwhelmed. Lord, what do I do? Who do I go to?”

She entered the Supply room, and then sat at Sergeant Shadid’s desk; she eyed a subdued green book. It was Sergeant Shadid’s Bible. When she looked at her opened Bible, she saw and read the verse, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Specialist McCann felt an inner strength that she never before experienced. Though still fearful, she boldly picked up the telephone then ordered the numbered of vehicles required, meals and supportive equipment. The field training exercise was a complete success receiving the praise of the Battalion evaluation team as well as the watchful observation of the Commanding General.

At one point in just about everyone’s life there is a situation that will define or challenge us. Do you have a problem that seems overwhelming? If not now, that day is to come. Remember this, it is written in the Bible that Christ will give you strength to face up to your monsters, giants or obstacles. Additionally, did you know “FEAR NOT” is stated 365 times. In other words, we are reminded daily to come to the Lord with what troubles us or makes us fearful. Try Him—you’ll see regardless of your fears and uncertain feelings that He is there to work through them.

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