| June 5, 2006 NO FEAR As we were coming home from our last scheduled tour, it happened. I was overcome with emotion. Trying my best to hide my unexplained feelings from the kids, and my husband, I hid in the bathroom till I could gain my composure. But the tears didn't cooperate. I couldn't seem to hold them back. Noticing my puffy, red eyes, my daughter asked, "Mom, are you crying?" Then followed the question, "What's wrong?" How could I explain something I didn't even understand at that moment? Questions were flooding my mind causing a panic. They were questions I couldn't answer. I felt out of control. At times I almost felt I couldn't breathe. "What is wrong with me?" I asked. (no, I'm not pregnant!) I quickly realized I had been stricken, not by a common cold or stomach bug, but by something far more destructive. FEAR. It had me tightly in its grip, and wasn't about to let go. It was consuming me. And I became paralyzed by it. I tried to focus on other things, but my mind kept returning to the fearful thoughts that overwhelmed me. I couldn't seem to shake it. Maybe you, too, have experienced this kind of fear. The kind that causes you to think irrationally, react unreasonably or speak rudely? It is a powerful emotion. It can cause you to feel hopeless, helpless, and unmotivated. And it can devour you if you allow it to. Many times fear comes when we are out of control of situations or circumstances. Fear also shows its debilitating head when we are faced with the unknown. That day, for me, it was the fear of the unknown future. I felt as if every aspect of my life was one big question. "What direction is the ministry headed? Are we supposed to travel any longer? Where are we supposed to live? What about home schooling? The more questions I asked the more fearful I became. Because, you see, I had no answers. It wasn't until I realized that God wanted me to trust Him completely even when I couldn't see the plan (or control the plan) that a peace came. Isn't that what faith is? It doesn't take faith to trust God when we can see the outcome. But it does take faith to trust Him when we can't see the outcome. Boy, is that easier said than done. The only way I've found to increase my faith in Him, and decrease my fear in circumstances, is to focus my mind on Him and meditate on His Word. You can't fight fear on your own. It will only consume you. You can, however, fight and win the battle against fear by fighting back with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b. If fear has its relentless grasp on you, don't be consumed. Instead focus on the promises from God's word. So 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 righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Lord, Thank You that You are the Prince of Peace. Free me from the grip of fear that too often consumes me. Increase my faith. Provide me with Your peace which will guard my heart. I trust You, Lord, even when I can't see what's ahead. You have a plan and a purpose in it all. Help me hold on to You. Let Your Word penetrate deep into my mind and soul so that I can rest in it through out the day. Thank you for your promises. In Jesus' Name, I ask all these things. men
Take Action:
If you are struggling with fear, print some of these scriptures on your mirror in your bathroom with a dry erase marker. It will keep your focus where it needs to be! ____________________________________________
Thank you for your love, support and prayers.
We love and appreciate you.
Laurie
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