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Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that if given the choice, you would have rather avoided. The fact is most of the time it is not a person's desire to feed our greatest fears, but sometimes often unknowingly well meaning people do. A few weeks ago, I found myself in such a place. I was on the receiving end. It has taken me several years to overcome many of my fears, and some I have yet to conquer, but here is the thing, while people may feed my fears, they are not responsible, for whether or not I eat or linger in the taste of fear. Will I be driven forward as result of it, or will I be held hostage by it? I am coming to grips with the fact, that maybe fear itself isn't the problem, but instead not moving through it. is Some of the great history makers of time, battled fear, but in the end they acted anyway. Fear comes in many categories, but most of mine are mental in nature. I won't rehash these, but somewhere inside, I bet you have your own. So I've decided to attempt a different strategy. Rather than feeling defeated by fear, I want to prepare for it, and walk through it. Most Christians know Jesus tells us not to be afraid, and with comes the harder question which we often don't bring ourselves to ask the Lord, which is, why should I not be shaken by the presence of fear? The answer is not simply because I said so, though for others that might be explanation enough. A good parent will most of the time, this day in time,will make sure that the lesson that might have begun with, Because I said, will be followed by a discussion of making sure the lesson is understood not just preached. though you may not fully understand the reasons, here are some. I cannot help but wonder if Jesus gives us not only a declaration to not be afraid, but rather a few reasons fear is harmful and where we are to turn when fear threatens us. One reason I become afraid is because I want to be strong, but I am weak. Often this I think presents a problem, but then I remembered something. God does not tell me to be strong, but to depend upon His strength, which He alone has and can impart or give to me. There is a difference between our illusion of fleshly strength, and God's ALL SUSTAINING, UNFAILING STRENGTH! "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."Eph. 6:10-11 Find it here As I continue to study,I am reminded that one of the mistakes I make when fear knocks on my door, is that I begin to doubt the steadfastness of God's love and truth. 2 Thess. 3:5 " May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." Last I'm often afraid when I begin thinking my way instead of God's way. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, [1] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Here is a link 2 Cor. 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." So let me ask you how do you fight and face your fears instead of feeding your fears? I really am looking for pointers, both spiritual and practical strategies. Talk to me!
4 comments:
Personally, I feel that it is foolish to be fearful of the unknown. It's equally foolish to not be fearful of anything. Therefore, I'm simply saying that we should know what we should be fearful of and not let the fear of the unknown hold us hostage for no reason. Sometimes I feel God calls us to trust Him even though we can't see the path ahead.
I posted this status on my Facebook from a devotional I read not too long ago:
"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death."
How do I face them? Only with the help of God. Never underestimate the power of prayer!
There are a few people I am terrified of facing because I don't know how they'll persecute me, but I always wake up and tell myself, "Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I can't handle together."
Praying for peace and faith to face your fears!
Something I've been trying to do lately, is when I start to feel the fear creeping in, I find a reason to praise God.
So, for instance, let's just say I might be afraid that we'll be in Chattanooga for the rest of our lives (hypothetically speaking, of course). Instead of dwelling on the negative part of that, I thank God that we have jobs that are keeping us here. I thank God that He's teaching us to navigate Chattanooga and even enjoy it. I thank God that He brought us here for a reason even if at that moment I don't understand it.
Basically what I do is try to flip the fear around and find something positive to be thankful to God for. Gratitude trumps fear, for me, EVERY TIME.
One thing that comes to mind is "Faith is fear that has said its prayers" - yes it is so easy to feed our fears or someone else's - I guess the answer is to try and exercise faith that God is in control whatever.
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