There is an awful lot of talk about living fearlessly. Songs make it seem simple. Advertisors push us to jump in, take the risk, live life to the fullest! My tagline even promises it only takes a shift in perspective to make it happen. This year (Sept-Sept) is about proving that to be so. Moving from fearful powerlessness to powerful fearlessness is just a shift in perspective. Do I really believe that statement? Do you?
Yes! I do believe it, but I forget. I forget that I don't fight the battles alone. I don't really fight the battles at all. I have a Savior, Intercessor, and Heavenly Father that fights on my behalf.
When I am weak, He is strong and more than capable of holding me. But therein lies the problem. I don't like admitting weakness. To admit to weakness or fear is to admit I am powerless over a situation or circumstance.
Adversity presents a challenge for me. I find myself quickly falling into patterns of anxiety and fear. Allowing the enemy to play with my mind and emotions. Destroying my peace.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Fear is self-focused, highlighting our weaknesses, immobilizing us. Fear is dangerous. It destroys dreams with self-doubt, passions with inactivity, and relationships with jealousy and envy.
As long as I maintain my facade of control, I don't have to deal with the fear. But sometimes the facade cracks. It cracked one day in the most unlikely place. I had rejected church and religion after my divorce. I knew God was there, didn't doubt His existence, but I really didn't think He cared about me or my fears. One morning I heard a pastor on the radio. He wasn't preachy or condescending, just welcoming and kind. I felt a nudge to try that church.
We began attending here and there, always in the back, never introducing ourselves or trying to reach out. During that year I experienced mind-numbing news of cancer in my immediate family. Preparing my home and family for time away for surgery and hospitalization, I busied myself with detail work. Never admitting the sheer terror in my heart, I took on daily chores like a woman on a mission.
During the final trip to the grocery, I was gathering items and cheerfully talking with neighbors when the kind pastor from the church approached me. Whether he knew what my circumstances were or not, I don't know. But he walked up and put his arm around me and said the following words,
"You believe in God. If you can believe in God, then can you believe that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever? He is already there with you Monday morning, and regardless the outcome He is in control and you don't have to be. It will be fine!"
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8.
My life changed with those words. I saw the beauty of fearlessness. I saw the grace and sovereignty of our Lord. I have nothing to fear. He is already there, waiting on me. Whether it is to celebrate with me or comfort me, He is there. I truly have nothing to fear.
Fearlessness is God-focused, relying on His strength. Fearlessness is powerful. Dreams are realized through quiet confidence in His power, not in our ability. Passions are fueled by His actions opening doors for us. Relationships grow as He places people in our path.
Shifting from fearful powerlessness to powerful fearlessness is just a shift in perspective! It is the world seen from behind his cloak, knowing He is already there, just waiting to cheer you on! Live fearlessly!
Yes! I do believe it, but I forget. I forget that I don't fight the battles alone. I don't really fight the battles at all. I have a Savior, Intercessor, and Heavenly Father that fights on my behalf.
When I am weak, He is strong and more than capable of holding me. But therein lies the problem. I don't like admitting weakness. To admit to weakness or fear is to admit I am powerless over a situation or circumstance.
Adversity presents a challenge for me. I find myself quickly falling into patterns of anxiety and fear. Allowing the enemy to play with my mind and emotions. Destroying my peace.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Fear is self-focused, highlighting our weaknesses, immobilizing us. Fear is dangerous. It destroys dreams with self-doubt, passions with inactivity, and relationships with jealousy and envy.
As long as I maintain my facade of control, I don't have to deal with the fear. But sometimes the facade cracks. It cracked one day in the most unlikely place. I had rejected church and religion after my divorce. I knew God was there, didn't doubt His existence, but I really didn't think He cared about me or my fears. One morning I heard a pastor on the radio. He wasn't preachy or condescending, just welcoming and kind. I felt a nudge to try that church.
We began attending here and there, always in the back, never introducing ourselves or trying to reach out. During that year I experienced mind-numbing news of cancer in my immediate family. Preparing my home and family for time away for surgery and hospitalization, I busied myself with detail work. Never admitting the sheer terror in my heart, I took on daily chores like a woman on a mission.
During the final trip to the grocery, I was gathering items and cheerfully talking with neighbors when the kind pastor from the church approached me. Whether he knew what my circumstances were or not, I don't know. But he walked up and put his arm around me and said the following words,
"You believe in God. If you can believe in God, then can you believe that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever? He is already there with you Monday morning, and regardless the outcome He is in control and you don't have to be. It will be fine!"
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8.
My life changed with those words. I saw the beauty of fearlessness. I saw the grace and sovereignty of our Lord. I have nothing to fear. He is already there, waiting on me. Whether it is to celebrate with me or comfort me, He is there. I truly have nothing to fear.
Fearlessness is God-focused, relying on His strength. Fearlessness is powerful. Dreams are realized through quiet confidence in His power, not in our ability. Passions are fueled by His actions opening doors for us. Relationships grow as He places people in our path.
Shifting from fearful powerlessness to powerful fearlessness is just a shift in perspective! It is the world seen from behind his cloak, knowing He is already there, just waiting to cheer you on! Live fearlessly!