God has really been bringing to the forefront any residual fears left in my heart. Before I picked up my computer this morning and saw the prompt for 5 Minute Friday I told the Lord, “I really want to know how it feels to walk each second without thinking about the next. I want to be free of the “what-ifs” and be completely fearless.”
AFRAID
Fear is a horrible feeling and for those of you who have read my posts in the past (even as “past” as yesterday), know that fear has been an ugly nemesis in my life. For whatever reason, from the time I was a small child I was timid and insecure. I probably had some of the typical fearful thoughts such as a monster living under my bed … but they seemed to follow me wherever I went. I was too AFRAID to stay in day cares and nurseries.
I remember when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade my mother enrolled me at some church that had childcare during the summer. I didn’t know a soul and I remember being petrified! Since I had never been away from home on a social basis — I didn’t know how to cope. I remember running up to the teacher in a panic. So sad.
I won’t even go into detail about when I started school! There were days of screaming as I held onto my mother’s leg just to have her abandon me at a strange location (though as an adult I understand she had to do it). It was traumatic to say the least.
When I had my first band concert in middle school, I thought I would pass out or explode because it felt like all eyes were on me. I remember the horrible feeling though I didn’t know how to add verbs to what I was experiencing.
The night of my high school graduation, I got overheated and all of the people around me had to make sure I didn’t faint. But interestingly enough, after I received my diploma, I don’t remember feeling sick any longer.
The worst manifestation of being afraid were the panic attacks that took over my life when I was 18 years old. God alone set me free from those. If you have been around here before, you know it was THEN that I learned to stand on God’s Word.
I HATE FEAR!
I HATE FEELING AFRAID!
Fear is a tormenting spirit for sure!
2 Timothy 1:7 states that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a SOUND MIND!
People who live in the FEAR zone don’t feel very sound! I have good news for you — GOD IS GREATER THAN ANY FEAR!
God has set me free in so many areas! The years of panic attacks were ceased and my mind was set free, but the what-ifs still try to pop up in my life. I think that will be the next thing I will lay on the altar of the Lord.
Joyce Meyer has always used fear as an acronym for:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
Remember that the next time you feel afraid.
Fear really sets up a case in our minds, but the Judge has already made His ruling and we are FREE!
I am linking with Lisa Jo for 5-Minute Friday. She provides the prompt and we write for 5 minutes. No editing — just writing to see what comes out. Today’s prompt is: AFRAID. Please click on her button below to visit her or join us.
you sure aren’t the only one … and your testimony is a powerful encouragement to us all this morning!
The prayer you prayed is beautiful stated – to walk each second without thinking about the next, to be free of the what-ifs & to be fearless. I am so tired of the feeling of fear. I don’t want to be afraid of what might happen or could happen – I want to be so thankful for what isn’t happening! He has saved us from so much. (Visiting from 5MinFri)
Yes, a resounding yes! God is greater than ANY fear we have or any the evil one dangles in front of us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your story. I relate in so many ways.
I am pretty fed up with fear myself. I have struggled with the fear of rejection too long and am ready to be done. God never meant for us to ruled by fear…Thanks for the encouraging words and I am so excited about what God has done in your life.
Hi Beth
Yes, dear one, fear is a monster that can consume one’s life. No wonder our Pappa told us over and over and over to not fear for He is always with us. I am glad you have allowed Him to set you free!
Much love
Mia
Amen! Happy FMF!
I am totally with ya. I need to leave the what-if’s at the alter as well.
I’ve never seen that acronym either I like it! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Beth, I hate feel as well. I learned that the two most words Jesus used was Fear Not! Kind of tells us something, huh.
Blessings to you my friend.
Hi Beth, I don’t know why my first comment did not take my name.
Anyway, in repeating and remembering what I said, I hate fear as well. I learned that the two most words Jesus used was Fear Not! Kind of tells us something, huh.
Blessings to you my friend.