Afraid?

This is an entry from one of my good friend's diaries. It is not uncommon for us to share them with each other because we trust and know each other so well that there are absolutely no secrets and complete openness. I am very blessed to know these people and to learn from them.

I decide to share this because the greatness of God and be seen in a person's everyday struggles.

"July 20, 2007
God, I have been afraid of almost everything that turned out to be any good. I am learning that sometimes, I just have to look past my fears and take a step anyways. God, I was afraid to come here, afraid to play piano, afraid to play on worship team, afraid to help out with youth group, afraid to stay friends with people [from my old town]. I am afraid to call people, I am afraid to go to church, to talk to people. I'm afraid to love people. I'm afraid of the dark, afraid of being alone, afraid of crowds, afraid of water, afraid of making friends, afraid of keeping old friends, afraid of reading, afraid of learning new things, afraid to drive, afraid to graduate, afraid of the unknown, the future, evil.

But God, I may be weak in every area of my life but You are strong! That is enough!

...Lord, please help me! From this day forward, NO! I will not be ruled by fear! I will love them! Please help me to love them, truly love them from this day forward! Help me to never give up!

Fear will no longer be my master! You are! You are my guide, my strength, my love, and my life!"