Ready for a little trivia? What do you think is the most frequent command in the Bible? If you guessed, “Do not be afraid,” you are correct. It is found 70 times in the NIV Bible.

In the story of Esther, her cousin suggested that perhaps she was the one God wanted to use to save His people from annihilation. Esther’s initial response was fear. Stepping up to speak to the king without an invitation could cost her life.

Hear her cousin’s response. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place” (Esther 4:14a). Either way, God would save His people. The question was, would Esther be a part of the miracle.

Think about it. Are there times God has whispered a request and we refused because we were frozen in fear?

A prime example of fear winning out was when Israel was perched on the edge of the promised land. Rather than moving forward in faith, the masses heeded the advice of ten fearful spies. The outcome being Israel wandered forty years in the desert. What a loss!

Choosing fear over faith can have disturbing consequences. Blessings are forfeited and the work God has in mind for us to do is not completed, at least not by us.

One way to conquer fear is to admit the worst thing that can happen. Say it. What if it happens? Would God still be with us? Would He make a way for us? Would He give us courage and carry us through it? Absolutely!

So, next time we sense God’s calling, let’s step forward in faith and do our best. That’s all He asks. He’ll do the rest. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).