“YOU’RE LIVING IN FEAR.”
These were the words I heard after just fifteen minutes in the counselor’s office. And they hit me like a ton of bricks.
Apparently, I’d become the mom, the wife, the woman who lived her life in fear. I mean, I was paralyzed by the very thought of the future and what it might hold. My heart and mind were consumed with worry and plagued with anxiety. And while I desperately tried to hold on tight and manage everything, things just seemed to continue spiraling out of control.
Truth is… FEAR CAN BE CRIPPLING.
And when it comes to sharing our faith—it’s no different.
Fear can control our thoughts, shape our actions, and define our words. It can even prevent us from speaking at all. When we allow fear to have this kind of foothold in our life, it gives way to doubt and can mess with our spiritual soundness.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” These words prove that fear is a tool of the Enemy — meant to derail, discourage, and defeat us.
In the context of sharing our faith, that fear manifests itself as insecurity and looks like this:
~ It looks around to make sure no one is watching before praying in public.
“What will people think of me?”
~ It refuses to acknowledge God in front of non-believing friends and family.
“They might ridicule me.”
~ It stays silent about the Good News and joy found in Jesus Christ.
“I don’t feel confident to share.”
~ It prevents us from becoming the women God has called us to be.
“I don’t have what it takes.”
So how do we change all this?
How do we stop it?
How do you and I find the confidence and freedom to share Christ without reservation…or hesitation?
Friends, how do we get to that place where we care less about what others think, and more about glorifying him and his name?
Because I want to become stronger in my faith, and bolder when it comes to sharing it.
I don’t want my insecurities to keep me from sharing Jesus.
Let’s face it: we all have obstacles, challenges and yes, fears when it comes to spreading the Good News. But I believe this can change. I believe that together, we can dive into some highly actionable, intentional, and authentic ways to be Jesus to those around us.
We can learn to share Jesus in spite of those “I’m not good enough” feelings that make us feel unqualified and fearful.
Together, we can be the megaphone for God’s grace, love and healing. So, will you join me? Will you enlist and take the challenge to kick fear to the curb once and for all, and pump up the volume on your faith? Will you choose to live your faith loud?
And here are all the tools and the encouragement you need to do it.
~ Jenny
Faith Lived Loud: A 5 Day Challenge to Conquer Fear and Boldly Share the Message of Jesus.
Whatcha waitin’ for?
Author of the recently released, For the Love of God: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Faith and Getting Grace and Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe, Jenny Lee Sulpizio has but one goal in mind these days: encouraging women to set their sights on God, and away from the worldly mayhem distracting them. As a Christian mom, wife, author, and contributing blogger to numerous online sites, Jenny looks to inspire her readers to a state of action and a place of peace. She resides in Arizona with her husband and three children. Connect with Jenny online at www.jennyleesulpizio.com where you’ll find her blog, Grace for the Journey.
