...thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.
(Isa. 43:1-2)

Here the Lord is telling us not to fear when we go through trials of different kinds. That means we will experience victory in our lives, but only as we go through. If we are going to go through, then we must no run away anymore.

The Lord has promised to be with us and keep us safe when we go through the water, which will not overwhelm us, and through the fire, which will not burn us or scorch us.

Do you remember the story of the three Hebrew children names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? They were thrown into a fiery furnace but came out of it not only unharmed but not even smelling like smoke! (Dan. 3:1-30.)

There are major fears—like being thrown into a trial similar to a fiery furnace—and there are also minor fears—like being afraid our hair won't look right!

We may be afraid of something major like cancer or a heart attack or the death of a loved one, or we may be afraid of something minor such as a picnic being rained out or not being able to find a parking place.

But whatever its magnitude or cause, fear is the same and must be dealt with the same way.

Fear must be confronted through prayer with God's Word. And when we pray, we must believe. Fear is our enemy and we should treat it as such.

Source: Help Me, I'm Afraid by Joyce Meyer
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers