DCLM Higher Everyday 14 June 2026 — Overcoming Fear Of Starting
Topic: Overcoming Fear Of Starting
Bible Reading: Judges 6:6-14 (KJV)
6And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
7And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
8That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
KEY VERSE: And the Lord looked upon him, and said, go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee” (Judges 6:14)?
Message
William Shakespeare says: “Our doubts are traitors. And make us lose the good we might win. By fearing to attempt.” Yes, fearing to attempt or to start doing something, such as driving a car, leading choruses in the fellowship and even answering questions in the class is common. They all first appear too hard. Fear and uncertainty were the starting points for many great accomplishments. Gideon was hiding from his foes, feeling insecure and afraid when God called him. But God looked past his concerns and referred to him as a strong and courageous man.
Similarly, fear frequently prevents young people from pursuing their goals. One may be held back by fearing inadequacy, rejection, or failure. But God reminds us now that we are not alone, just as He did when He promised Gideon His presence. Friend, learn to get rid of anxiety. Knowing that God has prepared us for every good work, we must have faith in His ability. Remember, you must start in order to be great, but you do not need to be great to get started.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, help me to overcome the fear of starting, in Jesus’ name.
CHALLENGE
What is stopping you from starting?
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
