Got Fear?
Through the years I’ve struggled with fear just like many of you. Could I really be the wife and mother my husband and children needed? Would anyone ever read the words I wrote? Would God really want to use a broken vessel like me? Will disaster befall my family?
What Do You Fear?
What is it that you fear? That your spouse will divorce you? Are you afraid your job will end? That you’ll develop a terminal illness? That your children or grandchildren will be harmed?
The reality is that some of those things could happen to any of us. Our world is changing daily. But instead of living fearfully, we can choose another option.
A Constant Fear
A fear that used to plague me constantly was that somehow I would get to the end of my life and not accomplish all God wanted me to. Then one day I read Philippians 1:6 in a new light:
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (NLT).
A Constant Promise
When I looked at that passage closely, I discovered that it was God who began the “good’ work in me. It was God who would continue it. And it was God who would finish that work. When? On the day Christ Jesus returns. That says to me that long after my life has ended–if I die before Christ comes back–the work God began in me will keep on going. Yes, that means my salvation. But to me, it also spelled out everything God envisioned for my life. I can trust Him to finish it. That’s when I decided to trade my fear for something else.
Trade Your Fear
A few weeks ago I challenged some women to try what I had discovered: to trade their fear for something more…reliable. Instead of focusing on fears, I have learned (and am constantly learning) to trade them for God’s faithfulness.
My Job?
My job is to show up everyday and follow Christ’s leading, using the gifts God has given me, being thankful for opportunities to serve Him, and doing everything for His glory. But I don’t need to stress over what does or doesn’t get done. When we trade our fears for His faithfulness, He gets the job done well, on time, and in His time. God loves to work through His children.
I love these words from Psalm 91:
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4, NIV).
And this one from Psalm 26:
For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness (Psalm 26:3, NIV).
Will God’s Faithfulness Reduce Your Fear?
Only you can answer that. He will if you let Him. I do know this. There is no end to God’s faithfulness:
For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4, NIV).
More Faithful Promises from God
If you’d like to find more faithful promises from God on this subject, try your own search. You’ll be amazed at the encouragement God offers! You can also read this blog post I wrote about irrational fear that might help if you struggle with any fear of your own.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, You never intended for fears to rule our lives. Teach us to trust You more, trading our fears for Your faithfulness. Year after year, You faithfully lead us, working out Your plan in each person. We come against fear in the name and through the precious blood of Jesus, and ask You to completely fill us with faith. You are trustworthy, Lord! Our lives are in Your hands. And no matter what happens to these earthly bodies, You will guard our relationship with You until the day we meet You face to face. You have never failed those who place their trust in You. And You never will.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
What about you? What fears have you struggled with? How has God helped you with those fears? I love to hear from readers. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then the email will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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