EPISODE 87: BE FREE FROM FEAR
A MESSAGE FROM SARA:
When we chose this series, I knew immediately that I wanted to take on Free from Fear. Part of the reason I was called into Be Still Be Free was the amount of women I knew that were living in fear — or at least not living at peace and in peace. We live in a world that indulges fear or a lack of peace in therapies such as exercise, food binges, shopping sprees, addictions, and even denial. And the crazy thing is that while run from God and the truth of the gospel, we still face fears. Running is not a win-win. Substituting victorious living with our vices only hardens our hearts more and causes us to live in a dark world void of peace. We often blame God for our circumstances, or even worse, take God out of our circumstances all together and live as if it is all just happenstance. This world is about so much more than just today. Sisters, this world is just place in time between two eternities…the one before the world was with form and void and the one of eternity in heaven. This space in time is our preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven. How can we be warriors in the Kingdom of God when we cower to fear here on earth? We must learn to fight through the fear and realize who that fear is from! The good news is that it is not of or from God. No! It is of Satan. We must stop running from those things which we fear and ask God to give us victory. We must take back the sound mind that is from God and show Satan who we truly serve! Fear only produces more fear. Worry only worry. As women of God we cannot lead nor live victoriously when we give power to that which is from Satan. It is time to take back victorious living! God is for us and has given us specific encouragements in the scriptures concerning fear and anxiety. Let’s learn the truth of the Word and BE SET FREE!!
BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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)
BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS (practical application):
- Often we focus on the have-nots or on our limitations. Fear is often the result of a lack of trust. Start to catalogue God’s goodness in your life. Note all the ways God takes care of you. How has He fed you, led you, provided of you…earned your trust.
- Acknowledge where you are holding back with God. Do you struggle with control? Do you have a lack of faith? Is there sin in your life you need to confess?
- List out your fears and pray them over to God. He will help you overcome your fears like He did David.
BE EDUCATED (additional resources):
- Overcoming Fear by Joyce Meyer.
- Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest. Edward T. Welch. This book investigates the roots of fear in the human soul and the ramifications of living in the grips of anxiety, worry, and dread. Welch encourages readers to discover for themselves that the Bible is full of beautiful words of comfort for fearful people (and that every single person is afraid of something).
- Fearless by Max Lucado. Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?