Coming Alive in Fear
Today I get to introduce you to one of my best friends TJ Ellis who blogs at http://www.writingforhisglory.blogspot.com. We became friends in high school and have stuck together since– laughing together LOTS and carrying eachother in prayer through some hard times. TJ lives courageous. She is one of my ulimate faith hero’s. I cannot wait for you to read her words , which are also featured in 31 days to coming alive
Come Alive through Fear– by TJ Ellis
Fear is a strange emotion brought on by different triggers unique to each person. I have encountered people who fear spiders and storms, about as much as much as another person might fear heights or being trapped in an elevator. The dictionary defines fear a few different ways. Here is one definition most of us can relate to. “A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined;”
Fear can come from a real source or one that is perceived. For example, I recently discovered I have a mild fear of watching Dateline murder Mysteries at home when no one is around. Oh yes, I love to try to uncover the plot and predict who committed the crime, but once I’m alone I am convinced the real murderer might come through the TV and harm me. I am aware this is an irrational fear, but at mid night it is as real for me, as it is for those who fear being attacked by bugs.
Let’s be honest for a minute. What about the deep down fears that plaque us on the inside? It might be fear of being a bad mom. It could be what will happen if I lose most of my income. What will happen if I never recover from this divorce or illness? Your fear might be your calling to full time ministry, means risking unexpected resources. Here is one of my own fears. I sometimes fear I won’t be equipped for the challenges ahead of me
Now that we have recognized some of our fears, how do stop allowing these fears to keep us in bondage? We must begin to talk back to, and refute our fears using God’s promises. Two cures for fear are: Love and trust. “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 Repeatedly God declares his unfailing love and trustworthiness to his own! All who accept his gift of grace and favor can rest in God’s love. The more we embrace and trust God’s unfailing love for us, the less we will fear in our lives. Jesus Christ is living proof of God’s unfailing love for you and me! Fear is a natural emotional that if used properly, God can and will user to set healthy and safe boundaries for us as even the best earthly parents do. We however serve The Living God whose love is supernatural, his love has the amazing power to free us from the fears threatning to hold us hostage
Process to Coming Alive through Fear
“But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
4 I praise God for what he has promised.” Ps. 56:3.
There will be times and seasons when we are fearful just as David was. In these times it is helpful to ask God to direct us to at least one promise in His word we can cling to in the fearful situation. We must actively chose to turn our focus, and proclaim our trust in God’s love and goodness. Trust His love and embrace His grace.
Fear is a strange emotion brought on by different triggers unique to each person. I have encountered people who fear spiders and storms, about as much as much as another person might fear heights or being trapped in an elevator. The dictionary defines fear a few different ways. Here is one definition most of us can relate to. “A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined;”
Fear can come from a real source or one that is perceived. For example, I recently discovered I have a mild fear of watching Dateline murder Mysteries at home when no one is around. Oh yes, I love to try to uncover the plot and predict who committed the crime, but once I’m alone I am convinced the real murderer might come through the TV and harm me. I am aware this is an irrational fear, but at mid night it is as real for me, as it is for those who fear being attacked by bugs.
Let’s be honest for a minute. What about the deep down fears that plaque us on the inside? It might be fear of being a bad mom. It could be what will happen if I lose most of my income. What will happen if I never recover from this divorce or illness? Your fear might be your calling to full time ministry, means risking unexpected resources. Here is one of my own fears. I sometimes fear I won’t be equipped for the challenges ahead of me
Now that we have recognized some of our fears, how do stop allowing these fears to keep us in bondage? We must begin to talk back to, and refute our fears using God’s promises. Two cures for fear are: Love and trust. “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 Repeatedly God declares his unfailing love and trustworthiness to his own! All who accept his gift of grace and favor can rest in God’s love. The more we embrace and trust God’s unfailing love for us, the less we will fear in our lives. Jesus Christ is living proof of God’s unfailing love for you and me! Fear is a natural emotional that if used properly, God can and will user to set healthy and safe boundaries for us as even the best earthly parents do. We however serve The Living God whose love is supernatural, his love has the amazing power to free us from the fears threatning to hold us hostage
Process to Coming Alive through Fear
“But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
4 I praise God for what he has promised.” Ps. 56:3.
There will be times and seasons when we are fearful just as David was. In these times it is helpful to ask God to direct us to at least one promise in His word we can cling to in the fearful situation. We must actively chose to turn our focus, and proclaim our trust in God’s love and goodness. Trust His love and embrace His grace.