There are moments in life when fear tries to take over.
Maybe it’s starting something new.
Maybe it’s leading when you don’t feel ready.
Maybe it’s stepping out in faith when you’re not sure what will happen next.
I want to share a moment from my life when I felt exactly like that.
🎥 Watch the episode here:
366. You’re Not Alone—God Is Closer Than You Think
The First Time I Led a Bible Discussion
I still remember the first time I ever led a Bible talk.
I had just graduated from UC Berkeley. I was barely 21 years old and working as a part-time ministry intern making about $400 a month. I was still trying to figure out whether full-time ministry was even something I wanted to do.
My campus minister, Doug Beatty, asked me to start a Bible discussion at Bowles Hall.
Now if you’ve ever seen Bowles Hall, you know it doesn’t look like a normal dormitory. It looks like a castle sitting on a hillside next to Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley. Massive stone walls. Huge structure. Honestly, it looked like something out of a medieval movie.
And the truth was, I had no idea how to lead a Bible talk.
The day before the first meeting, I went to Doug to show him my notes. He looked at them and said, “Rob, this isn’t a Bible talk. This is a sermon. Where are your questions?”
I hadn’t even thought about asking questions.
I was just planning to preach.
Walking Toward Fear
The night of that first Bible discussion, I remember walking from my apartment toward Bowles Hall.
As I rounded the corner and saw that huge building, fear hit me hard.
I was nervous.
I didn’t feel ready.
I didn’t know what I was doing.
But something came into my mind that changed everything. I started repeating a scripture to myself.
Over and over again.
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:20
I must have said that verse a hundred times as I walked down the road.
“Surely I am with you always…
Surely I am with you always…
Surely I am with you always.”
That promise became an anchor in my heart.
What Happened That Semester
Something amazing happened that fall semester in 1987.
Five men from that dorm ended up getting baptized.
And honestly, it wasn’t because I had a lot of experience. It definitely wasn’t because I was some incredible leader.
It happened because Jesus was truly with me.
Those words from Matthew 28 gave me courage when I didn’t feel courageous.
The Promise Jesus Gives Us
What I love about Jesus’ promise is this:
He doesn’t promise comfort.
He doesn’t promise things will be easy.
He promises His presence.
When Jesus said,
“Surely I am with you always,”
He was speaking to eleven disciples who were uncertain, afraid, and probably wondering if they were capable of the mission ahead.
And yet He told them to go and make disciples of all nations.
But He didn’t send them alone.
He promised them His presence.
The Power of “I Am”
That phrase Jesus uses should ring like a bell.
“I am.”
It echoes all the way back to Moses and the burning bush when God said:
“I AM WHO I AM.”
— Exodus 3:14
The same Great I Am who:
- sent the plagues in Egypt
- parted the Red Sea
- led Israel through the wilderness
is the same God who promises to be with us today.
That thought still amazes me.
When God Called Gideon
I think about Gideon in the Old Testament.
He was hiding in a winepress, terrified of his enemies. And God appeared to him and said:
“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Gideon’s response was basically, “You’ve got the wrong guy.”
But God told him:
“Go in the strength you have… for I am with you.”
That promise turned Gideon from a fearful man into one of the great leaders of the Old Testament.
And the same promise applies to us today.
What Fear Are You Facing Right Now?
Let me ask you something.
What is the thing that’s scaring you right now?
Maybe it’s:
- sharing your faith with someone
- reaching out to coworkers
- starting a new ministry
- leading a small group
- having a difficult conversation
- dealing with financial stress
Fear shows up in all kinds of ways.
But here’s the truth:
You are not doing the heavy lifting alone.
God is.
He doesn’t send you out into the world and say, “Good luck.”
He says:
“I am with you always.”
Walk Toward the Fear
Instead of running from fear, walk toward it.
Let fear drive you closer to God.
Let it make you desperate enough to say,
“God, I need you to be with me.”
Because when you realize the Great I Am is standing right beside you, something changes.
Courage begins to grow.
Peace settles in.
And suddenly the things that once terrified you don’t seem nearly as big.
One Truth to Remember Today
The same God who spoke to Moses…
The same God who strengthened Gideon…
The same Jesus who sent out His disciples…
Is with you today.
No matter where you are in the world.
And that truth can give you the courage to face anything.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
366. You’re Not Alone—God Is Closer Than You Think
Stay Connected
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My goal is simple:
To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.
Have a great day — and make this life count.
— Rob
