Lesson 9 – Others’ experiences
Read Romans 8 - www.bible.com/bible/59/rom.8.esv

Sometimes God helps us conquer our fear by showing us how another believer is dealing with something. This is one of the biggest reasons God tells us in Hebrews 10:25 that we need to be an active part of a church – to encourage those around us.

At this time I have a friend going through the terrible ordeal of cancer. What little strength she has to be able to reach out to others is all spent in encouraging us to look to God as she is doing! Rather than needing us to help strengthen her, she strengthens us! She cannot leave her home other than to see the doctor, and cannot receive visitors because they may give her some mild illness such as a cold which could be serious in her condition.

I know a family which was evicted from their home some months ago. They have many special-needs animals they care for, so the place they needed to find required room for both the family and those animals. Deadlines were changed, and suddenly they found themselves with only hours before they had to know if they would get a home like they needed. They asked a friend to help them pray, and this friend encouraged them that God would provide because He knew their own needs as well as the animals for which they care. Before the deadline came, they received word they had been accepted and would be able to move, they and all the animals.


When we watch God do something like this for someone else, we also have hope that He will take care of us. The Apostle Paul said he gave encouragement to others as he himself had received from God – see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. The prophet Daniel said he received strength because of the words someone spoke to him – Daniel 10:19. Paul, again, said that others were preaching the gospel with courage because they saw how he lived in joy and trust in Jesus even while he was in prison – Philippians 1:14.

When fear strikes us, and threatens to paralyze us, we need to talk to both God and our Christian friends. Our friends can help us by praying with and for us, especially when it seems like we can’t hear God because of the storm of fear attacking us.

Verse to memorize:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)