Living Fearfully

An ancient promise ...

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“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I have to tell you something about me. I have spent much of my life living fearful. (Sigh) How do I expect people to see Christ in me if I’m living my life in fear?

At times I’ve missed out on ministry opportunities or blessings because I was fearful. Clearly, that was a lack of faith on my part.

I love Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?”

I can’t tell you how many times I have claimed that verse only to fail miserably. There is nothing we should fear with Christ.

Not cancer, not finances, not loss of a job, not flying (that one was for me), not stepping out in faith, not even death. We have a God who loves us and no matter what our circumstances are He is our light and our stronghold.

I saw this so plainly as Mom learned she had terminal cancer. She had a peace. I was in awe of how she handled each day knowing whatever that day brought she was going to trust Jesus.

She did not complain, she did not fear, she just trusted. She died knowing she would spend eternity with Jesus.

I can’t begin to tell you how that has changed my life. It took my Mom dying to change my whole perspective.

I will not live my life fearing the unknown. I will not waste my time fearing the “what ifs”.

So many of us are facing difficult situations today, at this moment. Whether it’s our health, or our children, a divorce, a job, anxiety, finances, or even God calling us to do something that we feel we can’t do.

Let Christ have your fear. Let Christ deal with your problem. He is big enough to handle whatever you are going through.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1Peter 5:7

What is it today that you need to give to Christ?

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  1. OH. this is so good.
    My reading this morning was from St. Mark – when Jesus said:
    “Do not fear, only believe!” Really focusing on this today…
    BLessings!
    liberty

  2. Cyndi, sometimes I think my middle name should be “Fearful” instead of “Jo.” I’ve lived so much of my life in fear. It’s a battle I face every day. But at its very heart, fear is a lack of faith. And I don’t want to continue in a state of faith-lack; I want to grow into a state of faith-FULL! Thanks for the inspiration today.

    And another thing? I. LOVE. YOU.

  3. I read this today, and thought I could have written this, it sounds like me. I read your testimony and our stories are so alike. Thanks for sharing!

  4. Cyndi, I am thankful from the bottom of my heart that the Lord spoke to me through you today – I really need to be reminded of this truth right now. Bless you!

  5. Cindi I’ve been in a place for the past couple months living to be mindful of the present, due to my rather imaginative mind fearing the future. I too have missed out on opportunities as a mother, wife & friend. I have been clinging to Jesus. Learning to trust him all over again. Learning to see how he created this world and he’s not just going to abandon it. I’ve been seeing glimpses of heaven. I wonder how many women particularly are plagued with fear. Thank you for your post.

    1. Thanks you for stopping by Kamille. I think many of us are plagued by fear. I’m really trying to give this to the Lord. Blessings

  6. I too live in fear. I too have missed out on opportunities. Fear is a 4 letter word. It is ugly. I try to reason and discover why it surfaces only to realize it is the mind. Fearful thoughts are lies that the evil one plants in my mind. Just like he (Satan) did to Eve in the garden of Eden, he convinced her mind. I am learning to daily ask for the Spirit to control my mind (Romans 8:6)so I can live in peace. Blessings…

    1. You are right they are lies that the evil one plants and he loves it when he is victorious. I’m tired of letting him win! Blessing

  7. You have no idea what these words and verses mean right now to me. I have been in a shock of sorts for about 3 1/2 hours because a friend of ours was found lying in the floor this afternoon and had been there all day with his 4 year old grandson by him. At this point we still don’t know anything but we are praying. Thank you for your inspirational words.

  8. Cyndi,

    I read something yesterday in my Made to Crave book and it goes along those same line you are talking about fear etc.

    It was a saying of Ruth Graham’s now for sure it was The Ruth Graham but I am guessing it was.

    ” Either we can be victimized and become victms, or we can become victimized and rise above it. Often it is easier to play the victim than take off our masks and ask for help. We get comfortable with out victim status. It becomes our identity and is hard to give up.The Israelities often played the victim card, and I love what God finally tells them. “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north” Deuteronomy 2;3.

    Turn north! It is time to move on! Self -pity,fear,pride, and negativity paralyze us. Taking off our masks takes courage, but if we don’t do it , we will remain in our victim status and end up stunted.”

    Or in my case over weight and unhealthy. I thought this was a wonderful statement on how hard it is to take off the weight and keep it off.

    So people I am here to say I am turning north. Coming off this mountain and with God’s grace and help I am here to say I am tired of this mountain. I have seen to much of it.

    Cyndi so you have traveled that mountain enough with fear, time to go north.

    Anne

  9. There could not have been a better message for me to hear today! I am waiting for a phone call to hear if I have MS or not, and fear has been getting the best of me.
    Thank You for posting this.