Fight or Feed?

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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!