Join us for Day 16 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
[x]
Leave a Reply
72 thoughts on "Day 16"
Day 16
Leave a Reply
72 thoughts on "Day 16"
I enjoy you because of every one of your work on this web page. Gloria takes pleasure in participating in internet research and it’s easy to understand why. Most people notice all of the compelling medium you create valuable tips and hints via the website and in addition attract contribution from visitors on that theme then our princess is without a doubt discovering so much. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You’re the one performing a wonderful job.
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
I fear the unknown. Yet one thing I have learned doing this detox is that the Lord has laid a path for me a path that is guided by His word. All I must do is follow.
There is no need to fear or worry what I do not know because what I do know is that God will not lead me astray He will never abandon me.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline.
Lord, God I do not fear rejection becasue you choose me. I do not fear loss because you've found me and have kept me safe. I do not fear failure becuase I have triumphed with your grace. Yet I fear the unkown. I am now leaving that fear behing and running into your arms. Your words, your grace and your love will lead me on a path of righeousness where I need not fear anything because you are there.
Paulina, I am absolutely blown away by your faith. Your ability to find positives along the way is amazing. I could learn a thing or two from you! If everyone could find the “good” in the things we encounter during our journey in life, the world would be a much better place! I like that you don’t discount whatever you may be feeling or going thru either. Thank you for showing me what true grace, humility, trust and love are all about, and the privilege of knowing your story.
Bless you and your husband, and best wishes for the future! I’ll be praying for Evan’s younger brother or sister, that he/she will be happily snuggled in your arms very soon!
Ibukun- There is nothing wrong with you, You are a daughter of the King!! As long as you continue to put your trust in him you will be just fine!
I think you also said it best, to not put your security in unbelievers hands. They truly can’t understand you because they don’t believe or trust in the Lord themselves. I still have a lot of my “other” friends since I’ve been saved and they just tense up if I say anything about God! Even some of them who claim to believe in God don’t want to be pushed or preached at by those “Jesus freaks”, that they can believe in their “own way”… Well I knew when I made my choice that some would fall by the wayside. I also knew He’d fill that void, and He has with all the women here! It may not be the same as going out w/friends, but I’m always more up-lifted than if I was out with those friends, who love to complain, gossip or talk about trashy stuff! Lol…. No thanks!
Just keep doin what you’re doin!! He’s listening, placing people you can learn to trust in your path.
Just be your beautiful, intelligent self! :)
Praying for you!
Your words of encouragement mean a lot to me, Ellen. Thank you for your prayers! Blessings on you and yours
Paulina, my baby boy was also named Evan. Wow. God bless you and your husband as you wait in faith during this new pregnancy. Lots of heart healing to come. Hugs.
KPennington thank you for your suggestion (a great one!), your words of encouragement and most if all your prayers for my kids.
Which fears do you currently struggle with the most?
I’d say fear of failure and fear of rejection.
Fear of failure: I get scared that I will fail Jesus and instead of draw people to Him, I push people away from Him. I worry that at the end of my years on eartth, I will burn in hell because there is something not just right about me.
Fear of rejection: ever since I lost a very dear friend of mine last year, I have been very cynical of people that try to get close to me. I fear that when I open up to them, they won’t want to be friends with me anymore like my friend decided. Sometimes, I think God is the only One I can be totally honestwith. Daily, He teaches me that I will fail Him everyday of my life if I keep depending on myself and how much people like me. As a believer, I should not put my security in the hands of unbelieving friends because they don’t know Jesus and they can choose to pick up and leave whenever they want. Boy am I a work-in-progress!
I’m thankful that God is helping me confront the truth about myself and is placing godly people in my life, people that I can trust. Please pray that I drop my cynical self and insecurity
I thank God for the openness of everyone in the group. I believe and decree that strongholds of fear will be broken in each of our lives. The enemy of our soul desire to isolate each of us and make us think we were alone but thanks be to God.
Through each of our transparency we realize that we are not alone. Through the medium if the Internet where satan has a field day, God is getting Glory. Our lives will never be the same after this devotional.
Where are all the women in the Word? We are here standing and walking in the paths of righteousness! We are being heard; we are changing the world one person at a time. Thank you ALL for being WOMEN OF FAITH!
Thank you for your words of encouragemet, Cynthia!
Which fears do you currently struggle with the most?
Fear of failure, fear of loss, and fear of the unknown. So I had a good cry today; been doing that a lot lately. I believe menopause is playing a big part in the tears.
Today’s Scripture kind of helped me this evening. I usually read SRT in the morning but for some reason I ran out of time, woke up late or was just plain lazy! God in His faithfulness had a plan; He wanted me to known that He is still on the throne.
He promised to never leave me or forsake me. The day is almost over and the fears are still there staring me in the face but they didn’t kill me. I am still standing (well laying); I am exhausted.
Be blessed this evening my Sisters in Christ. We have new mercies to look forward to tomorrow!
I was really challenged and inspired by 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
That we need to let go of our fears and replace them with love. So often we say God is love but fear can hold us back from truly feeling loved. Maybe we don’t feel good enough to be loved by the creator of all. But unless we allow him to fill us with his love we are always holding back and never letting him take control. Today I have had a really hard afternoon and so really struggled this eve but I realised I was holding on to tight. Once I let God take control suddenly I knew it would all be ok.
Thanks for this, Claire.
What hit me today was we should not be ashamed to suffer like Paul did, for the gospel. ouch! I hate to suffer. work has been so crazy busy the last two days, and I just wish it would calm down. i feel harassed and just overwhelmed. How can i be joyful in this situation? but I can, and I can consider it work for the gospel.
As I mentioned yesterday, I definitely identify with the fears of loss and of failure.
Last May we lost our baby boy, you can read the story here: http://www.apromisetoholdonto.blogspot.com/ so right now I am 19 weeks pregnant and although we've had ultrasounds that say that everything looks good I still fear that at any point something could go wrong. This fear has eased up as time has gone by but there is always that nagging feeling that maybe the next ultrasound they'll find something. All I know in my heart is that God is in control but sometimes I just want to FEEL sure that things are going to be ok. It's been an unexpected and painful journey but I wouldn't trade it for the world, it has taught me so much about myself, about my husband, and I'm working on discovering all of what God intends for us to see of him where we're at.
Praying for you. understand that fear. never experienced because can't have children, but I sure understand how that could be a very prevalent fear.
Thank you for your prayers!
Paulina, thank for sharing. I felt a lot of the same emotions when I was pregnant with our healthy boy Gideon. Psalm 46:10 really ministered to me…" Be still and know that I am God." God's plan for the life inside of you is already in motion. I am sure you are doing all that you can do to be healthy, you are a great mama already!
Paulina, I really hope my previous comment wasn't offensive. I really just pray for your mind to be at ease….I read your blog, my heartbreaks for you but your words are so full of faith and trust in The Lord. I can not begin to understand each of your emotions at that time but you are such a strong woman. I praise The Lord for you and your ability to share with the world your story. Thank you.
Hi K, I have read your first comment over and over trying to figure out why you felt it could have been offensive and I must say I haven't figured it out. I love that Bible verse it was the one I held on to during my whole pregnancy with Evan and I had kind of pushed it aside this time around thanks for the reminder! Thank you for reading my blog my intention with sharing is that none of the pain we've gone through will be in vain. Thank you also for your sweet words when I think of everything I've been through I think I'm strong but most of the times I don't feel strong specially with all these fears and thoughts going through my head on a daily basis I don't want to sound over spiritual but I know that the only reason I'm were I am right now is because even though I haven't been most faithful God has given me His strength. Sorry for rambling, have a blessed day!
Hi Paulina,
I guess I was just over thinking it, after reading your powerful blog I re-read my comment and I wanted to make sure I didn't sound like I knew exactly what you went through or are going through. I just know what it is like to be a mama and worry about your unborn child. :) I was telling my husband about your blog and I couldn't get through the story without crying…YES YOU ARE STRONG! Praise God for giving you strength and the ability to share your story with others. …And I enjoyed your rambling! ha. Have a great day and I will continue to pray for you, your husband and your precious babe.
What stood out to me was the reminder to not be ashamed of the gospel. I am from one of the most liberal, unchurched areas in the nation and am often in the minority when it comes to my faith. I must not be ashamed but stand fast knowing what God has done for me. I pray that he uses me to reach others.
What jumped out to me today was v.9 ” God saved us and called us to be holy, not because what we had done, but because of his own plan and kindness…” GWT
Again, God saved us.
And he will save us again and again, if we just turn to Him in our fear and let Him handle it. Its His plan, and His kindness that will see us thru!
Beverly- its a new city, a new season. What not go for a job pertaining to your master’s?! Praying for you!
KPennington- NO POST IS FOOLISH!! Its you, and what you feel! We’re here to support and pray for each other, NOT JUDGE!! I worry if my family will get by, etc. too. He does provide! But I worry til its OK….
Daena- Love that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real!!! Awesome!
LeahTvt- there is going to be a study (I believe) about women in the bible coming up!! I’m excited about it too! I’ve thought the same, that women are “put in their place” by some unjustly…
Kim- INSPIRING post!! Thanks :)
LindaG- I feel your pain in your post, praying for you to find peace.
Cynthia- I’m thinking of you. I pray things are turning around for you!
Bless ALL OF YOU involved in SRT!!!
Thank you Lord, for such a wonderful group of ladies to learn and worship you together!
All for your glory, Amen!
Thank you for your encouraging words Ellen!
That would be great to have of study of women of the Bible! I hope you’re right.
If I am "convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day" (vs 12), then I need not fear! I must turn my fears over to him each day, and again the next.
I do understand with the fear of the unknown, failure and rejection. I understand Beverly I am learning to cling more to the Lord and not be anxious because his word is true. I am glad to see the scripture 2Timothy 1:12 and I am putting it in my memory!!!!
Hi ladies. I don't comment much on SRT, but today in another study I read about being vulnerable so here goes… My husband and I moved to another city over 3,000 miles from all we had ever known together. It has been a very big adjustment for me. My husband has settled into a new job. I am having a more difficult time finding a job, which is tough since I completed my Master's last year. Do I focus on using my Master's, not settling until I get a job in this area? Or just get a job?
As we approach the 6 month mark (yikes!) of our time here, I am still stuck in fear (and honestly still not fully wanting to accept this new city). I fear rejection, failure, and the unknown. I have been clinging to God, and trying to take action and network but now I am just anxious. I am also one who is not likely to take action until I know where I am going. And this move sure has caused me to re-evaluate and redefine every aspect of my life – super overwhelming. I know that this is a season so I do not lose hope, but my patience is waning. So I ask that if you read my comment that you will say a quick prayer for me – for guidance, discernment, and confidence.
{For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.}
Praying for you today! :)
Thanks, Alyssa!
I am praying for you and empathize with your situation. I am finishing up my masters degree right now and have anxieties that I will be in a similar situation. Trust that the Lord can use you wherever you are and that you may take a lower position that will end up opening doors in the future.
Thanks for the encouragement, Laura!
I am sure that you will find a job in your chosen field when you finish school! For me, I feel I've lost interest in my area, which may just be a result of making a big change + adjusting to my new city. I feel my direction may be changing… I'm just not sure where it is leading.
I wish you the best of luck as you finish your degree!
I pray the Lord would guide your heart toward a job that will fulfill you. I know he gas a wonderful plan for you if you allow him to do his work
:-)
Thanks for this hopeful encouragement. It made me smile :)
Fear can be so crippling and paralyzing sometimes. I struggle with the fear of rejection and fear of failure all the time. My husband tells me I have an "end of the world" mentality when it comes to big things in my life. I'm finishing law school and about to start my job, but yet I still have these "end of the world" thoughts like what if I am the 5% who don't pass the bar, then I can't work at the law firm, then I won't have a job, then….it just keeps going on and on from there. I take such an irrational fear of failure and multiply it until it becomes almost too much to bear. It's so silly and I know it, yet I can't stop it from consuming me at times. I need to remember that God has given me the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline–not fear! That fear does not come from the Lord but from the devil and I need to stop it immediately when and where it starts. If those fears somehow to come true, God has given me the tools to deal with whatever life may throw my way. I just need to keep reminding myself of that and putting on my armor as soon as those thoughts surface! Have a blessed day Sisters =)
Oh to be free of the fearful thinking that can take hold of my spirit. Yet as I read through the comments this morning, the verse that keeps echoing through my mind is from of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (please pardon my own paraphrase):
When I am weak, then I am strong, for His power is made perfect in weakness.
Our weakness drives us to Him, which is exactly where He wants us to be. Why is it so hard to remember that we can do nothing apart from Him? (John 15:5) The sheep are always safest when they are close to the shepherd. Lord, let this truth sink deep into our souls today!
lisabethjean – That is exactly what God has been revealing to me about myself. It's not an easy piece of meat to chew either. The fear that takes hold of me – whether it is of loss, of failure, rejection or of something unknown, usually comes from me wanting to control an area of my life. I only find true peace when I surrender my need for control and trust God fully.
I'm struck by Paul's invitation to Timothy to join him in suffering (v.8). Suffer??? What??? No one LIKES to suffer!!! However, I must embrace loss, failure, rejection and not knowing all the answers (not that I WANT any of those things) and accept that God knows what I need and is taking care of it all.
All I can do is offer up my best to Him (my first fruits) and allow God the space to mold me and shape me into what He wants. HIS best, not mine. And sometimes….it hurts to be molded. But you're right. If it's about me controlling my world, it's pride and idolotry. Ouch!!!
This is written very well. Thank you for guiding me through some self reflection.
Grateful we can do it all together. :)
Wow. I am certainly struggling with the fear of uncertainty. I know that I shouldn't and that God has wonderful and amazing plans for each one of us, but 2012 brought a lot of loss and change for my family. My relationship with my husband is strong, but changed due to all of the situations that we went through and I recently told him that we live in a "new normal" and I think about all the crises of the last year on a daily basis. I don't want to dwell on the past, but look forward to the future with joyful expectation. Sometimes, I think that I have a handle on it all and realize that I just need to let God handle it all!
I have begun chronicling our journey at http://tripworthtaking.blogspot.com. Thanks for this devotional. I haven't read it everyday, but it has been an eye opener and wonderful way to hear God's comfort and love.
Which fears do I currently struggle with the most? I have been on a journey with The Lord for sometime now working on my fears. He has been so patient with me. I am paralyzed by the unknown. Thoughts like where will our next meal come from? Will we be able to keep the power on? Will we be able to squeeze by? How foolish am I? The Lord has ALWAYS provided for me and my family. There is not a day that we have not been clothed or fed.
-I fear not "making it", I fear failing as a christian/wife/mother/daughter/sister/friend.
– I fear not being ENOUGH. I really struggle with that. Am I enough? I have a running list in my head of all the things I should be doing or should have done. In typing this I feel so foolish. If I am living each day to glorify The Lord the other stuff is his to worry about. He is in control so why do I try and take the lead?…. Matt 6:25-34 I inconstantly turn to this passage to remind myself that God is in control. Every time I read that passage I just want to fall to my knees and ask for forgiveness. Forgive me Father for doubting you, for thinking that for YOU this is to big. I am so ashamed when I let my fears run wild and The Lord draws me back and reminds me HE is all powerful, HE is with me so whom/what shall I fear?…."7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment." I will keep this close to my heart during times of fear. ….I really fearful to post this because "what if someone I know sees it?Sees some of my fears exposed? I am embarrassed by my foolishness. I want to share all of this to give testimony to all the great things The Lord is doing in my fearful heart. He is changing the way I live for him, showing me how I can truly glorify him. He is teaching me to trust in him and just follow. I am just so grateful that he is merciful,loving and so POWERFUL! ….Thank you for letting me share. It is so helpful, encouraging and refreshing to read all of the comments above. Blessings to all of you today.
Hi, I just recently started here and as I was reading your post something came to my mind and thought should share. I don't want to say "don't feel foolish" because if that's how you feel it's ok and it's awesome that you have the courage to open up and share it as you did your fears but just remember that every single one of us struggles with something it might not be the same thing but we ALL have our battles physically, mentally and spiritually. When you share something like this you never know, there might be someone out there that will read it and be blessed just by the fact that they're not alone so keep on sharing!
Paulina, thank you for taking the time to share with me your thoughts. You have really encouraged me to continue to share what The Lord puts on my heart. -Knowing that I am not alone is comforting, even though I do not wish struggles on others!…Have a blessed day
K, I, for one, am glad you shared. Your message really spoke to me today! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing! You have really encouraged me.
I feel blessed after reading this because I have had many times where I feared similar things. And as you said The Lord has always provided for me and my family. I think that after my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia but survived, and then relapsed and survived a stem-cell transplant, and then was in a car accident that he walked away from, and then 3 month’s myself, husband and baby were in a roll over car accident and all walked away as well…only then did I truly understand that I have absolutely NO control in this world. Since that car accident my personality has changed. Ladies…life truly is too short and fleeting to be mad at my husband for not cleaning the house while I was at work…or for not doing the dishes, etc. I want the time that I am blessed to be able to share with my family to be positive and fun and happy and I’ve been trying to make an honest effort to focus on just that. EVERY DAY THAT WE GET TO SPEND TOGETHER AS A FAMILY IS A BLESSING and I will make the most of them. I think my relationship with my husband has improved and my patience for my son too. God is speaking to me and I’m grateful for all of you sisters.
JDubay, WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! God is good. wow…your testimony is so powerful. Thank you for sharing, I am so speechless.
I gotta tell you — the more I meditate on this passage the more I realize that when I succumb to fear is when I'm looking to myself for answers. This, ladies, is pride & idolatry at its finest! When I lose myself & let the Spirit do His work, then I have, as verse 7 states, "…power, love and self-discipline."
Unfortunately, I'm like Peter: so eager to jump out of the boat into the stormy sea to walk to my Savior. But I stop. I look around & am afraid because I've taken my eyes off Him & know that I cannot possibly be walking on the waves in the midst of the maelstrom, so I sink. But with a cry for help, He reaches down to save me & we walk arm in arm to the boat.
Wow this one nailed me. Fear of loss: I’m almost at the point if having loss PTSD. My parents divorced when i was 7 and my mom took me out of state when i was 11 so i lost my relationship with my dad for many years. I lost my firstborn as an infant. I lost my marriage of 28 years when my husband realized he is gay. I’ve lost my parents. I’ve lost…you see where I’m going? And I am afraid about my kids’ salvation. After the deal with their dad they both rejected church and are now pretty much living like unbelievers.
Not to say that the other fears don’t plague me as well but loss is my personal nemesis and the enemy has a heyday in that playground. You’re screwed up. You’re a failure. It’s your fault. Etc. lies I know but he still dances around spouting them.
Not sure what my point is except sharing my fears and that the “sound mind” verse has been a promise I’ve clung to for my entire Christian life. Have a blessed day all of you.
thanks for sharing linda. praying for that spirit of power, love & a sound mind for you.
Linda, I am truly so very sorry for all of your losses. Praying for comfort and peace for you, as well as that reminder of having a spirit of love, power, and sound mind. :)
Linda, I read this and it reminded me of a convo I had with my mother the other day. She made a list of all the things she has lost in her life time. The list was great, on her list were a lot of things that are on your list. I am one of ten, my dad left my mom after 26 years of marriage to be with another woman half way across the world, he also left the christian faith. …I am not trying to compare loss at all! I just wanted to share what she told me…She said that she made a list of all the things she has lost over the years and next to it she made a list of all the things The Lord has given her in those times. Looking at her list she said she was able to see that The Lord gave her much more than he took away. I really hope this is helpful, reading your list brings tears to my eyes. My heart hurts for you, but I KNOW The Lord is right there with you, holding you and leading you through it all. I pray The Lord surrounds you today.
One more thing The Lord put on my heart to share is for you to be hopeful for your children to come to know The Lord. Have faith, your children may have turned from The Lord but have faith that they will come to know his sweet salvation one day. My parents divorce and my father leaving the christian faith rattled me. I too walked away from The Lord because I was SO angry. Angry that the man who encouraged me to pursue things of The Lord could just walk away and say that the truth he once taught was no longer such. I was also angry that The Lord allowed it. BUT The Lord called me back to him. He would not let me go. I have been saved! So, continue to pray for your children, nothing is TOO big for our Lord. I will add them to my prayer list as well. They are blessed to have you, don't let yourself get discouraged!
Which fears do you currently struggle with the most? Definitely fear of the unknown and failure. As a young professional, lately I have been struggling with trying to make a name for myself, and God is constantly reminding me that my efforts are futile, and He will raise me up in His own ways. I am on edge when it comes to potentially failing, but I have to in my job/field in order to be better at it. I always like to plan and know what's happening so I can expect it with preparation, instead of living on faith alone and trusting God to carry me through.
I can totally relate sometimes we get so carried away with what’s going on its only after we realise we were relying on our own strength not Gods
Wow ladies! The verses that stuck out to me today we’re the ones where Timothy’s mother and grandmother were mentioned–Lois and Eunice. I thought, “Oh, wait, I want to read more about them!” Wow, didn’t expect that! I guess it’s because with the Bible being so male-centric or male-oriented or male-dominated-whatever phrase you want to choose- I’ve lately had my eye out for any mention of women in the Bible. I know we are all equal in Christ Jesus. But I really want to learn more and more about women of the Bible. As for today’s question…Which fears do you currently struggle with the most? I’d say fear of rejection…which is tied to why those particular verses jumped out at me, I guess. There’s this desire in me to not be left out, to not be discounted. I guess over the years I’ve often felt that women are discounted in the Bible. And then in some Christian circles, I think certain verses are used to keep women “in their place.” This is certainly something that I need to explore further and be in prayer about. Have a blessed day, sisters!
Fan into flame the gift of God. . . for God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline!
Fan into flame – be on fire! Take the little spark, sometimes that is all we feel we may have and fan it to create a roaring fire! I have been working with the wood stove that past few weeks to keep a fire going in our home, and when the coals have burnt down and are not strong enough to rekindle a fire on their own – when they are red hot, but not flaming, I have to use the whooshy accordion tool (can’t remember the right name) and fan the fire back into flames! Sometimes that is just where we are. . . we don’t have enough fire left in us on our own and we have to fan it into flame. He told us it would be this way!! And as always, He told us how to fix it. FAN IT INTO FLAME!! And He gave us the tools to use! He didn't give us a spirit of timidity, but we have POWER and LOVE and SELF-DISCIPLINE from HIM !!! And we will use that power to fan our faith and courage and confidence into a roaring flame!! How awesome that we serve a God who told us how it would be and then gives us all we need to make it work!
Wow Kim! Beautifully written, very uplifting and dare I say empowering to know all we have to do is fan the flame!
Amykelly213 I’m right there with you! I struggle with all the fears as well. Some days I feel like I have a handle on them and then something happens where I realize I don’t.
I will be praying for you!
Thank you Amy for your post! Thank you to all the ladies! So I’m not the only one battling fear! Fear of the unknown and fear of failure constantly stalk me, even when Gods Word tells me fear not. This plan came right on time. A friend of mine shared the following with me: FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. I only remembered this after reading today’s lesson. Maybe if we keep reminding ourselves if this, we can start to get past our fears and live out God given purpose. Have a great day Ladies!!
I really love that FEAR analogy. Thanks for sharing it! I love to have something like that to hold onto that reminds me in a second that fear comes from the enemy. Praying for you today! :)
the Lord will fight for me, i need only to be still.. give me strength, oh Lord to face my fears. give me strength that i may have a powerful, loving, disciplined spirit. may God bless you my sisters :)
Morning ladies! My issue with fear comes in my mind. I dream a lot of dreams where something happens to my kids. I know I can combat fear during the day but at night my mind goes crazy. Praying of this fear and you ladies! Hope you all have a great day!
The mind is the enemy's playground! The more we entertain him, the more foothold he gains. Speaking from experience! Battling fear my whole life, it has taken me years to understand NOT to LISTEN to the VOICE of the enemy! Fear is not of God so it comes from Satan, the tempter, just as he tempted Jesus, he does the same to us. And fear is one of his biggest tactics. But you can overcome! Fight this fear first of all with the Word! Speak out boldly with scripture, anything that comes to your mind, for example, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. Or "Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10.
Remember Fear only has the power that we allow it to have! You can control it! Do not dwell on it, fight it with praise and worship and the Word. When I was overwhelmed with fear I would find a quiet place, even if it was a bathroom stall at work :) and throw my hands up in the air and worship the Lord and give Him the praise and invite ahis sweet presence to fill my mind and heart and spirit. Then there was no room for fear or anxiety!!
Praying for you my friend! This is a battle that CAN be won!
totally agree!
and thank you for reminding all of us of those powerful verses!
Amen, that's just what I needed to hear, so often I feel the rush of fear so greatly in my life that I feel like I'm drowning. What if I lose my house, what if we can't meet the needs of our children, what if, what if, what if… Then I remember whose I am. This bible study is so wonderful. Sharing, growing, praying one for another and most importantly standing on God's word. I too sister have been in the bathroom at work, asking for God's strength, and at home in my room, hiding from the world and keeping my pain from my children and my husband. But today, I'm going to smile on the inside instead of just masking on the outside because I serve a Great God and he loves me in spite of me and he loves you too. __This is a day of victory, this is the day to trust him like we never have before so that we can heal, and our testimonies of how we made it will help others hold on.__
I heard a lecture last night. The speaker was on a mission trip and was given a dream: He and his wife and young daughter went to a large event at a stadium. They drove separately, and each thought the other had the daughter with them. After arriving home without her, he went back and frantically searched but she was nowhere to be found. He collapsed in helpless torment, crying out, and he woke up with tears streaming down his face. God spoke to him and said "Sit and feel it. THAT is how I feel for all of my lost children."
I bet another way you can combat these bad dreams is to remember that your feelings as a parent are what God feels for us. Every time you worry your kids get hurt, God feels the same way about us when we are hurt. He is a loving father. Anyway, long-winded response, but praying for you as you fight your fears and become the unafraid woman God intends you to be!
Hey Ladies… fearing girl here too. I have a the fear of failure too. In school I haven't always been the best and that makes me feel insecure. Another fear that I'm facing is that fear or -more than doing the right thing- loving the right way at the right time when a relationship is beginning. I had this kind of fear before, both, but this is the place where God always finds me. When I feel weak, insecure, unworthy, he comes and places in front of me a challenge that has my name on the tag. Most of the times I don't know if I can do it, but I believe that if He put me there, is because He'll get me through. So I walk, with my eyes closed and my hand clinging to His, I walk and when I least expect it, I'm in the other side, with a miracle to tell and the joy of seeing his power in action. Trust Him and walk, even when you cannot see the next step. v. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. and v. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
I discovered that the fear that bothers me the most is fear of failure. I fear that failure is a sign that I'm not good enough or not special enough. When I am a tasked to do something, I have an image of the perfect scenario, and that is what I strive for. If it doesn't happen that way, I stress out because on the inside I'm scared that failing would prove that I'm not as worthy as I thought I was. I stress out, anxious to make everything perfect, trying to fix what I broke. In my life, worry and fear go hand in hand. It took a long time to figure out what was going on inside of me, what thoughts were behind my anxiety. Now that I know, I can pray to God for help dealing with it.
Which fears do you currently struggle with the most?
Wow. Where do I start? I think I experience all three equally. Fear of loss: I came so close to losing everything I had last year when I selfishly put myself before my family. I came so close to losing my husband. I can say God brought me through, but the devil does leave me fearing that my husband could change his mind and leave whenever he wants. Thank goodness he is not plagued with those same insecurities. God gave him the strength He knew I would not have.
Fear of failure: I never used to be afraid of failing. I used to have self-confidence that bordered on cockiness. I am a teacher and I work for a very shrewd principal. She is all about the numbers, all about the test scores. I have excellent scores, but my approach is very different from hers. She spent one year of my career digging me into the ground and making me, literally, shake with fear when she approached. At the end of that year, my scores spoke for themselves and she backed off… But the whole experience left me broken. Add the events of the last year and you have a woman with no self-esteem and no backbone.
Fear of rejection: when everything came to light last year, my sister-in-law told me that I needed to prepare because I was going to truly see who my friends were. I was most disappointed to see that my best friend of 12 years would be the first one to leave me. Now, I find it hard to let people close or call people friends.
Fear of the unknown: as a mom this hits me hardest. I worry over my kids and pray over them every day. My youngest is with me at school and I can keep an eye on him, but my oldest is at the high school. She has a boyfriend and is getting ready to drive in the spring. This kind of fear has me wrapped in chains most of the time.
Sorry to ramble… I guess I am hoping someone will see themselves in my words and I won't feel so out there or so different.
Praying God's blessing for all of you today!!
Praying for you. Keep holding tight to your sword(the Word).
I am with you. I could have lost my husband due to some things that happened 9 years ago, but he chose to forgive me. sometimes, things from that time pop up like ugly wounds, like last night, and then I get irrational fears as well. i sure do relate here.