Dealing with the Emotion of Fear

I wish this knot in the pit of my stomach would go away. Why do I have to do this anyway? Why didn't they get someone more qualified, someone who is strong and talks smoothly and persuasively? Why didn't they get someone who wears designer clothes and drives a new car? I'm really not good enough to even be here.

What if they refuse me? What if they don't like the way I look or speak? I'm not eloquent with words and I stammer when I'm nervous. I don't even know what to say! I didn't have time to write a speech and practice it in front of the mirror. Maybe I should have called and made an appointment. What if they aren't even there now!?

Maybe I should just turn around and go home and give this job to someone else, they would do it so much better than I. I'll probably make a mistake and they will laugh at me. They will kick me out and shut the door in my face!

What if I faint? I feel so sweaty and shaky! What if I open my mouth and say something I shouldn't?! I've been known to do that in the past. What if I drop my briefcase and everything falls out, or I trip on the carpet?! What if I have to go to the bathroom?! I had better stop before I get there, and make sure I take care of that.

I have a headache. I want to go home. I want to get this over with as soon as possible and just go home. I feel sick. My stomach aches, my head aches, I don't even want to be here! Uh, oh, I am here. There is the building! I am parking the car! What am I doing? Somebody help me!

Where is the address? I don't want to walk in the wrong place. If I hold my briefcase tight enough it won't fall. Please help me, Heavenly Father! I'm so scared! Please bless them that they will accept what I have to offer! Help them to be nice to me! I'll do anything for you if you will just be with me now!

Do I have everything I need? Let's see, I'll check my list once again. Yes, its all here. Now, I'll go over the directions one more time to see if I have it right. I've called ahead and made an appointment, I've put gas in the car, I have my map here with me, and I've practiced my presentation.

I'm really glad I've had this opportunity. It has been an eye opener to me. I really felt inadequate at first. I asked for help from my boss and now I understand more what I am to do. I feel that the Lord will bless me as I have done as much as I can to prepare ahead of time. He will make up for any weaknesses that I may have as I ask for his help and guidance.

I believe that this product will really help these people. I have used it myself and I understand the benefits of it. I am sure that they will understand the many uses as I demonstrate it to them. I'll even tell them about the time my mom used it and how satisfied she was!

Here I am now. There's the place, yes, this is the right address. I feel calm, everything is going to work out just fine. Even if they choose not to take the product, I feel I can handle that. Dear Lord, thank you for being with me at this time. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. Thank you for helping me know what to do to prepare. Please allow thy grace and confidence to be with me. Help me to be a friend to these people and, if it be thy will, bring them closer to thee this day.