During the Gulf War of 1991, Iraq launched a series of Scud missile attacks against Israel. Although the death rate among Israeli citizens spiked on the day of the first missile attack, the majority of the deaths were not directly attributable to the missiles. Instead, the majority of deaths were from heart failure brought on by fear of chemical and biological agents in the missiles. When it was discovered there were no such agents, fear subsided and the Israeli death rate returned to normal.
Fear is a powerful emotional force-it can literally scare us to death. Positively, fear can keep us from taking unnecessary risks. Negatively, fear can paralyze us-it can keep us from walking through doors God has opened. Even when we know God is with us, the "fear" of the unknown may be present. But fear can always be overcome by power, love, and self-discipline, all of which come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). "Butterflies in the stomach" are normal, but they should not rule the day.
Don't let what you don't know make you afraid. Let Who you do know give you courage to step through God's open doors.
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered and no one was there.
Unknown