I used to be terrified of dogs.

Palm-sweating, heart racing, would-run-as-soon-as-I-saw-one, terrified.

When I was young, I remember going for a family walk to the Bronte waterfall (Think: Wild, Yorkshire location that inspired Emily Bronte to pen Wuthering Heights).

This magical moorland adventure requires a tiny bit of scrabbling over rocks… near a waterfall edge. 

Picture me: Pre-teen with an uncontrolled fear of dogs… visiting dog heaven! 

Uneven paths that were not wide enough to escape dogs touching me. Danger of falling onto rocks and fast-falling water. 

What’s a girl to do?

Here’s what I remember: My family and friends made a circle around me. 

I have a Wendy (like an auntie and fairy godmother combined, would recommend!) 

Wendy assembled the human circle and I continued walking these tricky paths, whilst they kept me in the middle of their guard. 

Wendy commented how the trek reminded her of a scene from The Lord of the Rings. Our fellowship kept me safe, like a precious golden ring that could cause havoc if touched (in this case, by a dog!)

Problem was: When I went to high school and university, I couldn’t take my entourage with me. 

It was inevitable that I would one day have to face my fear, solo. Without running across a road to escape canine contact.

That day came. 

Aged 21, I had started dating a blonde motorbiker. After a few dates, he asked if I wanted to go to his student pad for meatballs and spagetti!

The date began in a local supermarket, purchasing kitchen rolls. Romantic! 

We approached his student house and, before I even stepped in the house, I realised: There. Was. A. Dog.

A border terrier named Peppa. His housemate’s pup.

What’s a girl to do?

I entered the house and pretended that I wasn’t crying inside. I let the palms sweat. I didn’t run. I just let my biggest fear play out in front of my eyes. 

Peppa, desperate to be my friend, kept jumping up:

1. Because she wanted to play.
2. Because she was the only one in the room that sensed I was standing on the edge of a panic attack. Internally, I was right back at the Bronte waterfall.

Heart-beating, body-shaking, I stood still. Still as still can be.

And I survived. 

I enjoyed my meatballs and spagetti. Laughed with my date. (We’ll be celebrating 11 years married this year!)

I kept going back to the house with the dog and guess what: Nothing bad happened to me.

___

In my last post, I talked about how God told a man named Joshua to conquer a walled city – Jericho. This story is found in the Bible book of Joshua, chapter 5.

But today, I want to rewind to a few verses in Joshua 1. I wanted to get to grips with what led this guy, Josh, to a point in which he was about to claim a promised land.

Joshua was a soldier. He had served faithfully as Moses’ assistant through:

The good: Moses and God had face to face mountain chats, Josh was the only guy allowed halfway up the mountain.

The bad: God’s people had a jewelry melting session and worshiped the gold calf they fashioned.

And the ugly: Moses didn’t quite make it, folks. 

Joshua 1 says this:

“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses.” 

Joshua 1: 2, AMP.

Josh is about 70 years old, at this point. He’s seen a lot. 

Yet, he’s scared. He’s standing on his own internal waterfall edge.

Throughout this chapter, God tells Joshua to “Be strong, confident and courageous” – three times. 

God even signs His message to Josh off with a P.S “Do not be terrified.”

God knows that Joshua is terrified, yet His instruction to this scared man is this: Take your place.

Cross over the Jordan.

Lead these people.

Move the souls of your feet. One in front of the other, now Josh.

God gives Joshua clear directions out of fear: Walk straight into what you are scared of.

Thing is guys: If you have faith in Jesus Christ, you never really face your fears solo.

God will be present, in the moment, with you. He won’t leave you alone when you step out. He’s the one that gives strength, confidence and courage.

But you gotta step out.

And I really think you have to step out again and again. 

If I saw Peppa the dog one time – and one time only – I may still have a fear of dogs.

But I kept going back to the house that held my fear. 

Later, when I married my meatball-making motorbiker, I kept visiting my in-laws, who had three dogs. Three.

That is why I am no longer afraid of dogs: I stopped avoiding my biggest fear. I started repeatedly facing it, until it no longer became a sweat-inducing experience.

Now, God does give a couple more tips for facing fears in Joshua 1:

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1: 7 – 8, AMP.

Joshua needs to:

1. Take his place. Move his feet.
2. Be strong and courageous, remember God is with Him.
3. Obey God. Don’t turn from His instruction.
4. Keep God’s word on His lips.

If you are struggling with fear, this above list is for you. It’s your map out of fear.

• Now is the time to face your fear of public speaking.

• This is the season to address that birth trauma you went through.

• God’s popping His light and gentle finger on your fear of driving.

I really think that somebody reading this needs to know: God is calling you into a fear-inducing situation and He is going to give you victory when you face it.

So, take your place. Grab your map. It’s time to step out.

Let me know which fears you are facing in the comments and I will be sure to pray for you.