Why FEAR is bigger than faith

I’m not a fearful person. While there are many other Goliaths I battle (trust me on this one), fear just isn’t one of them.

At least not often.

But sometimes – especially more recently – I struggle with it.

You, too?

Worry. Dread. Panic. Apprehension. Anxiety. Concern. Agony. Uneasiness.

… it’s all rooted in the same thing – FEAR.

And sometimes our fear is bigger than our faith. It might look like this in your life:

It can affect your mommy-heart: What if something bad happens to my kids? What if they can’t make friends and feel rejected at school? What if they get a terminal illness? What if I repeat the same mistakes my parents did? How will it reflect on me if they keep making bad choices?

It can affect your marriage: What if I push my man over the edge and he decides I’m too high-maintenance? What if I’m not worth fighting for and he leaves me? What if we grow apart? What if he won’t listen to me? What if he has another affair?

It can affect your financial security: What will 2014 cost with all the new laws and healthcare changes? Can we afford it? What if we lose jobs and can’t make ends meet? What if we have to file bankruptcy? What if others discover how bad we are with money?

It can affect your healing: What if I can’t press through this issue because I’m not sure God is on the other side? What if I uncover repressed memories? What if the counseling doesn’t work? What if I can never be free from this addiction?

It can affect your courage: What if I fail again, and everyone knows it? What if I try my best only to discover my best isn’t good enough? What if can’t be who they need me to be? What if I can’t stand up for what I know is right?

It can affect your self-esteem: What if no one notices my cries for help? What if my wants and needs are considered silly and unrealistic? What if my value really is based on how I perform? What if I’m never good enough?

It can affect your faith: What if God doesn’t answer my prayer? What if He is mad at me for things I’ve done in my past? What if I’m not holy enough? What if I don’t go to church regularly or feel uncomfortable praying outloud?

Anyone?

I get it. Fear can be a big deal. For some, it’s an annoyance that comes to life from time to time. But for others, it is a part of their DNA.

And let’s be honest, the world is a breeding place for fear. With moral and value changes, financial unknowns, and destructive philosophies… it’s no wonder we struggle.

But we can’t rest in that fact. We can’t just give up or throw in the towel. And we most certainly do not have to feel hopeless.

Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

(Isaiah 41:10 GNT)

I needed to be reminded of this promise. Maybe you did, too.

Girls, we fear because we look to the world for answers.

We get overwhelmed with the what-ifs.

We expect others to save us.

We look for earthly protection.

We try to do it in our own strength.

But. God.

… someone needed to hear that powerful phrase today.

You see, He promises to do ALL of those things for you.

~ He will give you power to fight your fears.

~ He will help you put to rest your worry and concern.

~ God will protect you from destruction.

~ And He will save you from overwhelming circumstances.

So, what’s your role in the process? It’s taking your fears to the only One who promises to never leave you alone in them.

And when you do, something changes…

…your FAITH becomes bigger than your fear.

 Lord, I’m scared. I’m facing situations too big for me to handle and I’m weary for trying. I need You to take these from me – sheltering me from spine-weakening and spirit-breaking fear – just like You promised in Isaiah 40:10. Please give me peace in knowing You are working things out on my behalf now and always. Father, be bigger than my worries. And help me trust You through it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Just keepin’ it real, 

Carey

©2013 Carey Scott