Are you experiencing some fear and anxiety as you skim over the topics for this week’s discussions. For some of you, the topic of statistics might bring back unpleasant memories that you have about an undergraduate statistics course you took. Or you have an overall fear of math. Here is a story about a young girl whose fear of math started after she applied for her first job.
When Sue was a teenager, she applied for a job at Wendy’s. During the interview, she was given a scenario and asked to make change from the register. It was a simple math problem. The order cost $7.47 and the customer gave her $10.00. She was asked how much change to give the customer. She was so nervous that she could not figure out how much to give the customer.
As you can guess, Sue did not get the job, and she was afraid of failing at math for most of her life. As the years passed, Sue was able to overcome the fear of math and other fears in her life by trying not to worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. She found scripture encouraging her not to allow fear and worry to weigh her down. She memorized Philippians 4:6 (New International Version, 1973/2011) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
If you are struggling with fear and anxiety over this class or something else in your life, I want to encourage you and tell you that God can help you overcome the burden of fear and anxiety. There are many verses in the Bible about fear. Isaiah 41:10(new tab) says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (New International Version, 1973/2011). God strengthens us. He helps us. He upholds us with His righteous right hand. Be encouraged and know that God is always with you. He is bigger than the fears you are facing.
Resources
New International Version. (2011). New International Version Bible Online. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+41%3A10&version=NIV(new tab)
New International Version. (2011). New International Version Bible Online. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phillipians+4%3A6&version=NIV(new tab)
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
- Describe how faith can help you overcome fear.
Instructions
- Review the rubric to ensure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
- Read the Devotional Message under Getting Started.
- Write an initial response to the following prompts:
- What is something in your life that is causing you to be afraid?
- Identify a verse in the Bible that speaks about fear.
- If you are unable to identify a verse from the Bible that speaks about fear, what other tools do you use when fighting fear?
- How do scripture or other tools you have identified help you face fears in your life?
- What is one thing you can start doing right now to help with these feelings of fear and anxiety?
- Your initial post is due by Day 5 of the workshop.
- Use APA Style(new tab) for all citations and references. Refer to the 7th Edition APA Style Bible Citations(PDF document) if necessary.
