**Fear Not, My Friend: Faith's Fortress**

Fear Not, My Friend: Faith's Fortress

The sun beats down on Akasia, Pretoria, another scorcher. Beautiful, in its own harsh way. But even amidst this intense beauty, fear can creep in, like a sneaky neighbour slipping through a fence. Just last week, a looming deadline at work had me wrestling with anxiety. That familiar salesman, Fear, was at my door, whispering scenarios of failure, job loss, the whole shebang. His voice was loud, insistent, painting a picture so bleak it almost sucked the colour from the sky itself.

But then, I remembered the verse from Philippians: *“Do not be anxious about anything…”* It’s a simple sentence, yet it holds a universe of power. It’s not about ignoring the reality of the deadline, the pressure, the potential pitfalls. It's about choosing a different lens, a different perspective. It's about shifting from a place of fear to a place of faith.

Think of it like this: God’s promises are the foundation stones of a magnificent cathedral. Each one – His unwavering love, His provision, His ultimate victory over darkness – is a carefully hewn block, perfectly fitted into the grand design. Fear, on the other hand, throws mud and stones, trying to tear it down. But a cathedral built on God’s promises stands firm, weathering the storms. My faith, my fortress, is built on those very stones.

The anxiety didn't vanish overnight. It still gnawed at the edges. But as I prayed, thanking God for His provision even amidst the struggle, a strange calm settled over me. It wasn’t the absence of anxiety, but a quiet confidence, a knowing that even if things didn’t go as planned, He was still in control, still working all things for good. And you know what? The deadline was met. Not perfectly, maybe a bit scrappy around the edges, but met nonetheless.

This isn't a magic formula for a stress-free life. Life in Pretoria, or anywhere, is messy, unpredictable. But it’s about understanding the battleground: it’s not out there in the world, but within the chambers of our hearts and minds. Fear is a liar, a manipulator. He thrives in the darkness, feeding on doubt. But faith, rooted in the unshakeable truth of God's love, is the light that dispels that darkness.

So, next time Fear knocks on your door in Akasia, or wherever you are, don’t let him in. Let faith answer, radiating the light of God’s promises. Let your life be a testament to the unshakeable strength of faith, a beacon of hope amidst the often chaotic reality of life in our beautiful, sometimes maddening, city.

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HAROLD MAWELA

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