Words such as fear, worry, and anxiety were never meant to be a part of our vocabulary let alone our lives. Yet, millions of people live with fear each day. What are we are afraid of that is preventing us from living? Are you scared of waking up to an intruder in the middle of the night? Perhaps it’s flying on an airplane. Maybe it’s the fear of sending your child off to college. Perhaps, your greatest fear is failure so you don’t try at all. Most of us can find something that haunts us.
Have you ever thought about this? Fear robs you. It robs you of your peace
Your sleep
Your relationships
Your joy
Your dreams
Your witness
And it robs you of opportunities.
For example, I’ve often wondered about the eleven disciples who stayed in the boat instead of stepping out onto the water like Peter. They missed an amazing opportunity to walk on water with Christ! Sadly, most people stay in the safety of the boat their entire lives and wonder why life seems so empty, miserable, and dull. Those o f us who are living with anxiety are living below the mark of what they were created to be. Worry, and its accompanying emotions, are not and never were, part of God’s plan for His children. Unfortunately, most people go through life missing opportunities because they’re afraid to really live the way God intended.
I have good news. You can develop a faith that is stronger than all your fear.
Step one: Recognize fear for what it is by using this acronym.
F-alse
E-vidence
A-ppearing
R-eal
Most of your fears are false. While the sting of fright feels real, in truth, it’s merely the “what if” that’s gets our heart pounding. It’s important for you and me to determine if our fears are real or simply false evidence appearing real. If it’s a real concern, I heed its warning like not going near a vicious dog. On the other hand, if my worry is false, then I know I need to take that thought captive. How?
2 Corinthians 10:2 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I say something like this. “Lord, I know this fear is not from you. In obedience, I take this thought captive. (Sometimes I reach up and grab the air as if I’m literally taking captive my fearful thought) Since this worry is not from you, God, I choose not to entertain it. (Repeat if necessary.)
This week, I’ll be writing on the topic of my book, An Untroubled Heart; Finding A Faith Stronger Than All My Fear. I’ll also share my story on Moody Radio with Susie Larson this Friday from 2:30-3:00CST. It’s a live interview with call-in’s. I’d love to hear from you! During the interview, Susie will give away a few copies of my book. I’ll also give away a few copies on my site. To win, call into the radio on Friday. To enter to win on my site, leave a commit.
Host – Live the Promise with Susie Larson
Media Voice for Moody Radio
KTIS / Faith Radio Network
www.FaithRadioNet.com
Either way—blog or radio—I hope you’ll join in the conversation. Perhaps you’ve already realized that most of your fears are false. I’d love to hear your story. For others, today may be the first time you’ve come to this knowledge. If so, how do you think it will help you in your struggle with fear?
Kelly says
Micca,
This is exactly the topic I needed to read about today. Have been battling a new fear for the past couple of weeks and have come to realize that it is ridiculous and is really stealing my joy. I’m tired of it and praying that I can overcome it.
I would love to read your book!
Thanks,
Kelly
Dora says
Fear has ruled most of my life. I hate to think of the opportunities I missed because I was afraid. I am tired of running. I want to face my fears once and for all.
LaShea says
Dora I know how you feel. I have misssed out on some many opportunities because of fear. There have been things that God has asked me to do & Fear just kicked in!!!!!!!!!!!!
LaShea says
Wow! This is just what I needed to read today! FEAR has such a big hold on me & seems to have controled most of my life. My fear has now turned in to
anxiety. I am praying to God about my anxiety.I know God will continue to protect me as I serve him and continue obeying him.
Kristen De Bie says
Micca,
I recently stumbled upon the Proverbs 31 daily devotional which lead me to your blog. I must say that God is speaking some powerful words through you. The sin I struggle with the most is fear. I am in constant fear that something bad will happen to my husband or kids, that somone will break into my house, that I will lose my job, and the list goes on and on. I feel tense and full of anxiety because I worry about these things so much. I love the comment you made about how most people stay in the safety of the boat and then wonder why life can be so dull and boring — that is so ME! I desire to be like Peter and have that faith that makes me certain God will be in control of everything. Your thoughts and insights I feel like were written just for me — thank you. Your book is definitely on my wishlist!
Kristen =)
Kristen De Bie says
P.S. I also wanted to add….I never realized before that my fears could be false. I always assumed they were legit fears and have had a hard time understanding why my husband didn’t fear these same things. Wasn’t he fearful that something could happen to our family one day? It hit me after reading your blog that my husband is just one step ahead of me and gets that he doesn’t have to worry about these things because God is in control. So tonight I will not only pray for God to take my fears captive, but also thank him for blessing me with a husband who gets the bigger picture that I’ve had a hard time getting.