Two explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a ferocious lion jumped in front of them.  "Keep calm," the first explorer whispered.  "Remember what we read in that book on wild animals?  If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and run."  "Sure," replied his companion.  "You've read the book, and I've read the book, but has the lion read the book?"

There is nothing much worse than paralyzing fear.  Sometimes we become so afraid that we do nothing.  We are afraid to go one way or the other, so we just stand still.  On the other hand fear can be both instructive and helpful.  J. Hudson Taylor, that great missionary to China, once said, "Fear is the mother of foresight."  Fear makes us think through a matter and take steps to remove the fear.

What does God have to say about being afraid?  The love of God can so fill your soul, so that you cannot be afraid.  The Word of God says, "Perfect love casteth out fear."  Just what does this verse mean?  It means that if you are truly convinced of God's love and you fully trust in His plan for your life, then there is nothing to fear.  Romans 8:31, 38 & 39 says, "What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Do not let fear conquer your soul.  As a child of the King, walk in His footsteps and put all your trust in Him.