The tranquility of my early morning walk suddenly changed as a dog charged snarling at me. Attempting to cross the road to the other side, I saw that the dog’s anger had aroused the dog across the street, so there I was with two angry dogs on either side of me. I held my ground and they left me alone, but the peacefulness of the morning dissipated to fear and worry.

The relief of getting out of the situation tuned to fear as I remembered to get back home, I had to return by take the same route with the likelihood that the dogs would still be out. I dreaded the thought and started thinking of all kinds of plans to go home a different way. I hadn’t brought any money so I couldn’t get a tuk tuk to take me home. I knew some friends might be up, but I had left my phone at home, so calling them for a ride was out. There might be a back way around, but the last time I tried that route the path was washing out and another angry dog lived by one of the houses. Since then, much more rain had fallen and more houses had been built with the possibility of more dogs being there. My only option:  return home the way I came.

The idea scared me, but I remembered someone told me that I just had to show the dogs I wasn’t scared and I was the boss. Easier said than done. However, when they came charging and I turned towards them and yelled, they backed off. My head said it would be okay, but the rapid beats from my heart and multitude of thoughts in my mind said something different. When it was time to return home, I did what I had to do. I started walking home by the same route with a few rocks in my hands.

I decided to go on the opposite side in hopes of not being noticed by the dog. To my delight, they were gone and I made it home without incident. In some ways it felt like a victory. I will still be on guard, but I will not let my fear keep me from doing what I know I need to do. As I thought about the experience, I sensed God speaking to me about the importance of battling and facing fears to overcome and walk in all He calls me to be and do.

Is fear holding you back? What have you done to overcome your fear and move forward with what you know you need to do as a son or daughter of the King? I’d love to hear from you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT).