I have had a deep-seated fear of snakes for as long as I can remember. The fear was
debilitating, often keeping me from fully enjoying my garden and the beautiful yard
just outside my back door.

One morning two of my neighbors came to visit me so we could talk about our gardens and give thanks for a beautiful day. I happened to mention my fear. Immediately the women both asked if they could pray with me.  With the words “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” I instantly found a peace wash over me and free me from the fear that had been following me my whole life. I understood that, by allowing the fear to control me, I was feeding the power it had over me and making it worse.

The following day I was in my backyard admiring my flowers when lo and behold what should I see but a snake! My first inclination was to run but in that moment I remembered that God would bring me through my fear and strike it from my heart. And that is just what happened. I did not run, I stood my ground, and I survived!

I cannot honestly say that I will be picking up snakes and keeping them as pets any time soon, but I am now able to fully enjoy the wonderful garden I have been so blessed to grow without the constant pang of my fear lingering in the back of my mind.

By hearing the word of our Lord, I found a truth that I carry with me now, and that
I repeat to myself whenever I feel afraid. He truly is an awesome God!