Have you ever been involved in a less-than-savory situation that forced you to step forward and come clean or step back and hope for it to blow by as quickly as possible?
We have moments like this in our lives–when fear bubbles up from our gut and we stand there with one hand in the other, wondering what to do. We don’t always remember that where our weakness meets faith, we find courage.
I pray for God’s courage. I’ve seen where my own two legs carry me when “going by me” or going by worldly ways instead of going by faith. It isn’t pretty. Standing before Goliath with shaking knees feels devastating… and lonely.
I didn’t always call on Him. I didn’t always trust God, and that’s when I stumbled the most. Thank you Lord for a new life. Lord, just as John the Baptist prayed in the Bible, let me decrease so you can increase. (John 3:30)
Facing Fear Right Now?
It feels weighty. It causes fatigue. It seems like the situation will never end. Sound familiar?
Fear is a method used by sin to pull us to pieces; it attempts to wreak havoc on our peace and leave us open to more attack.
Remember: We don’t have to go it alone, and we should not go it alone. It’s in our weakness that God gives us strength, but we must realize that we’re not qualified by what we have or do, but by the spirit of God inside of us. In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul writes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Here are some tips on living courageously in the face of fear from a sermon we heard this weekend. The spirit was really speaking.
- Let’s be open to the assignments God has for us. Despite our fears and past experiences, we must trust Him.
- We should focus on God’s ability, not our inability. Whatever “it” is, God is bigger. When we believe that, the spirit of God will dominate.
- Our willingness to bear weight is intended to bless others. We must own our weight–whatever it is at the moment–and carry it out well in the face of fear.
When God is for us, who can be against us? Lord, help us confront our fears head on and do what is right. Please fill us with your spirit of courage. Please allow peace and calm to dominate.
Ekene Napoleon Ojei says
God has been faithful to his words and promises and has actually aided me greatly in conquering my fears and turbulences of life confrontations.
David Johns says
Great post Jen, I was just thinking about what a great thing it is to become less while God’s spirit “increases” inside us. This concept reminds me of Romans 6, where Paul discusses dying with Jesus and being raised as new creations of God – set free from sin to live righteously by our faith. When I am obedient to love, the scripture makes sense: “There is no fear in love.”
Jennifer Johns says
Thank you for sharing your inspiration @Ekene and @David!
Tracy Johnson says
I just started a study on the book of Daniel, and this post fits right in! I love the way God pops the same topic up all over your life when he’s trying to teach you something! Your post reminded me of how Daniel “made up his mind” not to defile himself with the king’s food, but he didn’t tremble in fear or worry, he took his plight to God and God handled it by granting Daniel favor in the sight of the overseers. God rewarded his obedience. Or the way Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego refused to bow, and because of their obedience God went with them into the fire.
At all times we should “Fear not, for the Lord is with thee!”
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!
Tracy
site: caveofadullam.com
Jennifer Johns says
I agree Tracy — thanks for sharing! It’s amazing how we’re never alone with God. He is always with us; there is nothing to fear. The courage that comes from God is very real.
sushil sakpal says
Realy i remember that GOD speak with me in the evening of 4th May 2009 when my life started with jesus and I was asking god to heal me and that time god told me
” MY PRECIOUS PRECIOUS CHILD I LOVE YOU AND WOULD NEVER LEAVE YOU DURING YOUR TIMES OF TRAIL & SUFFERING I CARRIED YOU IN HAND” JESUS LOVES YOU and real GOD BELSSED ME STEEL OUR MIGHTY GOD BLESSING ME MIGHTLY
Jacqueline says
God has helped me in so many ways. One in particular has caused me to move forward without fear by gaining victory. I was working in a doctor’s office. I was in one room, the doctor was in the other. As I was working, I felt a pure blanket of evil creep behind me. I had felt this on one other occasion and frightened me because I was not familiar with this presence. It caused me to tremble. It was just as if a presence was creeping up on me. It was scary. As the presence got closer and tried to overcome me, I said, with a commanding voice, “Get behind thee Satan.” At that moment, I felt the presence leave. I was overjoyed and relieved. I felt empowered. I know, through Jesus Christ that he gave me victory at that moment. Amen.
adrian says
I have a big problem of fear. I know I lack trust in God. I have experienced many fears and trials, even if im so young. To be honest, I am just a 10- year old boy, with much trials. So brothers and sisters, please pray for me, to trust God more, and not to keep fearing. God Bless everyone!!!
Jenn Johns says
Praying for you all to find courage in the Lord continually. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut 31:6
Patience says
In God i put my trust
christine brink says
My name is Christine, I have such an anxiety problem due to my past experiences with a divorce after being married for 28yrs. Then came the loss of my mother in 2014, two months after that I lost my job due to unfair dismissal, a month later I had to have a knee replacement. Well, that was the year of “depression, anxiety and fear not forgetting stress”. I turned to God and still is turning to Him because my nerves are finished. I am battling to find a job so that I can keep occupied. I will not give up on this fight. I will not let the devil overtake my life. I feel weak but I was carry on Praying and Trust in my Lord and Saviour for giving me the strength to carry on everyday as I have been doing each and everyday. I thank Him for continuing him to support and helping me during this terrible phase that I am going thru. Pl brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for me. Jesus I put mt Trust in You. Amen
Jenn Johns says
Thank you for reaching out Christine… you are in my prayers! There are hills and valleys, and I’m sure a brighter day is coming soon. Hold on, and God bless you. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
john w. barber says
I have a mental illness where I hear people I come in contact with speak to me.Not uplifting.It,s a schytzoeffective disorder and I take medication for it.I use to go out to big city,s and preach the Gospel,I stopped,but The Word and testimonies are encouraging me!Mayby I,ll take the iniative to witness again.Much appreciation,john b.
john w. barber says
What do you mean by your comment is awaitng moderation and what web site to I write,any?john
Ava says
I am in a state of anxiety and depression and fear and stress this makes it hard to cope. but I am pressing on . Things got bad. A broken marriage, 2 death in the family. Family member are against me. Alot of deep negative thoughts I feel like my head is not mine. I am trying to read the word. I have a heavy pressure in my head every day. The enemy is fighting my mine. Somebody please pray for me for restoration and wholeness. Thanks