Fear Fighting!!!
If you have read my blog more than once, it has been well established I operate with a healthy dose of fear.
I am afraid.
Flying, spiders, crunchy bugs, egg salad, heights, closed spaces, wide open spaces, stomach viruses – these are just a few of the things I am afraid of…
Yet fear is the opposite of faith.
And I consider myself a person of faith.
[Tweet “Yet fear is the opposite of faith #fearfightingbook @kellybalarie”]
I recall several years ago waking to an announcement on Facebook that a family friend, a young woman in her early 30’s, had succumbed to her battle with cancer and passed at 3:00 am. As a young mother myself, I was physically sick. Although it had seemed an inevitable ending, I and others had faith… we had hoped she would be made whole here on earth to raise her babies.
I drudged through that day, slinging snot, heaving sobs, and mumbling heartache.
The next morning I read another post from her family. It was the usual thank you’s, memorial arrangements, and remembrances, and then something that struck me to my core. The simple statement, we slept well for the first time in 4 years – our worst fears were realized in her passing, there was nothing left to do but sleep.
I had forgotten all about this until last night – the prince of lies loves to rob us of rest.
Last night, I had tossed and turned with worry and fear until I couldn’t face the sleeplessness another moment, so I strayed into the family room to flip through channels. The more I allowed myself to think, the more my imagination ran wild. The more my imagination ran wild, the more my heart raced, my head pounded, and panic gripped me from every side.
What if?
Then when?
If only?
What next?
Then how?
I gave in and cried heaving sobs. I had tried all the tricks.
Our Father…
Though I walk through the valley…
Be not afraid…
Rest was evading me, peace was skirting me at every turn. And I do not believe God was far from me, I believe I was distracted and far from God. The lie I have believed in the past was that He moves from me because He is mad.
I have been so wrong.
He was right there, He was with me… I didn’t have to call 911. I didn’t start screaming like a banshee… I just couldn’t get over the hump.
At 3 am I secured headphones on my ears, I put a hot washcloth with lavender essential oil on it, over my eyes and turned on Francesca Battistelli – Holy Spirit song on repeat.
So utterly relieved to have finally stopped my hyperventilating, I was thankful that I no longer had to be awake and crushed, and thankful there’s no condemnation in Christ.
There is no shame in my weakness, for He is strong.
Tears may come, but joy comes in the morning. He is good. He is mighty to save.
My worst fears are no match for the promises of the Most High.
I am looking most forward to the release of my friend Kelly Balarie’s new book Fear Fighting… for such a time as this – it is an ordained word. My social media feeds ooze fear. What will become of our country? What will the future hold? My child is being bullied, my marriage is falling apart, my child is involved in…
We are afraid.
It is time to fight back.
Break the bonds of terror not with Xanax… but the promises of Jesus Christ.
Stand up to the enemy.
Run free in the sovereignty bought for us on the cross.
Congratulations Kelly, I need my copy yesterday.
May you floors be sticky and your calling ordained. Love, Jami
I sought the Lord, He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
The wait is over!!!! Get your copy today!!!!
For more information on Kelly’s #fearfightingbook click on the image below!
“My worst fears are no match for the promises of the Most High.” THIS! Ahh! Oh how I needed to read these words this morning! Thank you for this encouragement and comfort today.
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
What appropriate timing for this blog!
I to realized earlier this year that I was living a life of fear. I have limited myself in social interaction because I didn’t want to feel stupid or say the wrong thing in a crowd of people who some I didn’t know. Where does all this fear come from? Not from God.
For me it also came from not seeing that God was right there with me. I have always put Him above me. Looked up when I happened to think about Him or say a prayer. But He was right here with me the whole time! Waiting for me to realize that He was here all along.
Does fear still cripple me? Yes sometimes. But, once I realize what is happening it’s such a blessing to know that God is right there beside me, holding me up. Pushing me forward. Giving me words of love and care for those around me. Giving me words of wisdom that comes from Him, not me.
Earlier this year our Church did a workshop. There was a session with a speaker from out of town. During this period she asked about what the Church could do better about bringing people together. I was amazed at the fear in the room! Every person who spoke mentioned fear. Fear of being the only single person in the group. Fear that their children would be a problem with single people in the group. Fear that their house was to small and filled with toys people would have to walk around. There was more.
My take away from this. We all have fears. God will use them to strengthen us to do His work if we allow Him to!
To me, “What if” Is rge enemies favorite words to whisper in the
middle of the night.
Psalm 34:4 is such a lifeline!
Thank you for this post today. My brother is battling brain cancer and is a week out of treatment. This morning he had a severe cognitive episode. I opened my email as I am preparing to possibly head out to his home (90 mins away), in tears, fighting panic and I saw this email. I wasn’t going to read it cause I have to get things together, but feeling my fear take hold, I thought I really need help right now. All I can say is Thank You. Thank you for speaking the words you do and using the talent God gave you. You blessed me today.
I still don’t know the outcome of today – are the tumors bigger or is it just post radiation swelling- but God knows the outcome and I will not fear. He’s got this.
Brenda, I believe. God bless you. Healing in Jesus Christ name for your brother. Faith is the hope of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen! Hebrews 11:1
Things you stumble upon at night,
and this was it.
Well placed. Well timed. Much appreciated..
What a great post…I am at a crossroads in my life at 51. Fear has become my friend in this life I have categorized as complete survival. Trying to stay ahead, provide, be enough, do enough, say enough…sigh Understanding fear is the opposite of faith is so true. Trying to remember that God is with me is my challenge. Also understanding my concerns of what the world thinks of me has controlled decisions that would otherwise move me forward in my walk with Christ. Lord today, help me overcome fear…with your help I can realize the life you have for me is worth so much more than the life I have lived based on fear. Amen
Amen