Replace Fear with Faith

     Recently, due to a class discussion question, I was thinking of the reasons I had for fearing the doctoral journey:

• ·      Fear of failure-not doing well on a project and receiving a poor grade,
• ·      Fear of rejection-not receiving positive reviews during classes and the dissertation,
• ·      Fear of embarrassment-not finishing the doctorate and others knowing of my failure, and
• ·      Fear that I might not be able to do it, then what does that tell me about myself?

     But as a believer in Christ, the Bible reminds me many of times to not be afraid, and to trust in God alone, not in my abilities, and not others influences whether good or bad. Some scriptures, from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV), I lean on in times of doubt, frustration, and fear are as follows:

• ·      Isaiah 41:10, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• ·      2 Timothy 1:7, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
• ·      Psalm 56:3,When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
• ·      Psalm 34:4, I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 

      I had allowed fear to get its ugly grip on me and reviewing the scriptures above reminded me that regardless of how difficult the writing or reading to write a dissertation may be, I am not alone in this battle. I need to have faith that God is on my side and at my side through the process. Praise God for His faithfulness!