Posts Tagged ‘fear’

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Turning Fear to Confidence

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Yesterday our pastor spoke about overcoming fear. It’s an endless topic, it seems, with endless reasons to feel afraid.

This week, farmers in Manitoba wait and watch as floodwaters approach and fill their fields. In the southern States, the Mississippi river rises and workers desperately try to avert a catastrophe that could exceed Hurricane Katrina. And this comes on the heels of rogue tornadoes that recently killed hundreds.

Men and women struggling today to save their homes and livelihood, and those grieving the recent loss of their loved ones are dealing with fear. Most of us, however, watch these situations unfold on TV until we’ve heard and seen enough, and then we go about our daily business. But every once in a while, a closer-to-home situation arises, and fear threatens to take up residence in our hearts and minds.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend from church drew me aside at the end of the Sunday service. Her voice choked as she whispered, “I’ve had a cat-scan, and the doctor saw spots on my lungs. I’m going for further tests. Would you please pray for me?” I gave her a big hug and asked God to fill and surround her with His peace as she waits for her tests and the results.

Over the past couple of weeks, my hubby and I have trained nearly two dozen people who will be doing short-term missions trips this summer. They’ve expressed fears of another sort: fear that their fundraising efforts will fall short, fear of getting lost in airports, fear of inadequacy as they minister to people of another culture, fear of eating unfamiliar foods, and fear of not getting enough rest or of becoming ill on the trip.

As for me, I struggle with fear, too. Here’s the latest: I’m afraid that, if our mission volunteers allow their fears to grow, they’ll become discouraged and change their minds about going! I’m also afraid that we’ll have to cancel one of our outreaches in Romania because that team still lacks two members. Time is running out. How might a cancellation impact the ministry of our career staff with whom we plan to partner for this outreach?

Every time I feel fear tighten its grip on me, I turn to the Scripture and focus on its truth. This morning I read, “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly” (Psalm 112:7,8).  What a great reminder, eh?

No matter what circumstances you and I face—and I guarantee we will face tough stuff—we can rest assured that the Lord will care for us. We may need to retrain negative thought patterns by filling our minds with the truth found in Scripture, but as we do, we can move beyond our fears with confident trust in this all-powerful, all-present, all-wise, and ever-loving God.

What fears are you facing today?

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When God Says Go

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

When God gives a divine assignment, our human tendency is to say, “Who, me? I can’t do that.” Fear looms, and we offer excuses such as, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I don’t have the skills necessary.”

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Gideon’s story is a prime example. When God tells him to rescue Israel from the Midianites, he immediately focuses on his inadequacy. “But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15)

Sound familiar? I’m dealing with similar fears right now as I plan an event designed for business women. I’m convinced this is a God-given task and I’m moving forward, but part of me says, “Who, me? I don’t have anything to offer these corporate gals. Why would they want to come? What if no one registers? What if it’s a complete flop?”

Then I remember Gideon and God’s message to him: “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you” (v.14).

These words bring me courage. They assure me that, when God gives an assignment, He simply wants me to say yes and to move forward with whatever skills He’s given me now. “Go with the strength you have,” He says, and He looks after the details.

I also find courage in a promise God made, not once but twice. “I will be with you,” He said to Gideon (vv. 12,16). Herein lies the ultimate secret to overcoming fear. God’s presence in our lives—what more do we need? What more do I need as I move ahead with planning this event?

Can you relate to Gideon and me? If so, how does the command, “Go with the strength you have,” encourage you? How does God’s promised presence impact you?
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The Best Way to Begin and End Each Day

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Three decades ago, I realized the importance of dwelling on positive thoughts specifically when I wake and when I fall asleep.

day's end in Oregon

The lesson came after my fiancé broke our engagement. In the first days and weeks following the breakup, I’d fall asleep focused on my pain and feelings of rejection. I’d wake dreading the day, knowing I’d spend it wrestling with disappointment and self-pity. The result? I spiraled into a bin of negative emotions and began believing the enemy’s lies about my being unloved and worthless.

I knew that the content of my thoughts could determine whether or not I could survive the breakup and successfully move on with my life. And so, I took action. I began meditating on Scripture as I fell asleep at night, and in the mornings, before I rolled from bed, I prayed a simple prayer: “This is the day that You have made, Lord. Teach me to rejoice and be glad in it.”

These simple actions made a huge difference for me. The pain eased, replaced with hope and anticipation about my future in God’s hands. They also established a pattern that I’ve tried to maintain ever since.

Beginning and ending our day with thoughts focused on God follows a gentle reminder found in Psalm 92:2—“It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.”

God knows best. He understands how important our thought life is, and because He loves us, He gives us the key to managing it successfully. Let’s do what He says. Let’s embrace His counsel to remember His love and faithfulness when the day begins and ends. Doing so takes effort, but it’s crucial to overcoming fear, stress, and disappointment.

Have you practiced this discipline? If so, what difference has it made in your life?

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My Reason for Confidence

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

When people hear about our overseas ministry travels, they sometimes ask us, “Aren’t you afraid?” They refer to our traveling in countries where we don’t understand the language, we (as obvious foreigners) must be alert to the risk of pickpockets in trains and train stations, and driving on narrow tree-lined highways where passing slower vehicles feels downright dangerous to our North American driving standards.

Okay. I’ll admit occasional fear. I remember when one of our volunteer’s purse was stolen when we ate in a Hungarian hotel restaurant. Her purse contained her passport, her ID, and her credit cards. Our team was scheduled to return to Canada within a few hours of the theft, but she had to remain in Budapest for two additional days until the embassy processed her new passport. I felt fearful for her well-being, worried that the thieves would strike again because they knew this foreign woman—minus her credit cards—would now be carrying cash.

Overseas travel can have its scary moments, but really, how’s that different from life in North America? No matter where we live, fearful things happen—a doctor’s diagnosis flips our world upside down, an accident injures a loved one, a spouse walks out. The list is endless and leaves us facing a choice—let the fear consume us or rise above it with confidence.

How can confidence become our companion? Here are some verses that encouraged me recently. They’re from the story of Balak commanding Balaam to curse the Israelites. God, however, told Balaam to do otherwise. This is the message He gave Balaam concerning His people:

“No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king. God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. No curse can touch Jacob; no magic has any power against Israel” (Numbers 23:21-23).”

Reread these verses, one phrase at a time and ponder how they apply to you, as one of God’s children today. God has brought you out of Egypt—He’s freed you from the slavery of sin. He is with you and is strong on your behalf. No curse can touch you; no magic has power against you. This doesn’t mean that bad things won’t happen, but it means that God’s presence will never leave you and that He has promised ultimate victory despite the stuff that the enemy throws our way.

What’s my reason for confidence? No matter what happens to me, I’m a victor because God is the king of my life. No harm can touch me unless He allows it. And if that happens, I’m still in His care and He will somehow use it for my good and His glory.

 Question: What’s your reason for confidence?

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Clueless

Friday, March 4th, 2011

I’ve been a believer for decades, but I think I’m sometimes still clueless when it comes to understanding the full scope and power of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. The disciples were clueless, too. Take a look at the scenario on the road to Jerusalem.

Jesus and the 12 are walking together, talking about upcoming events. Jesus says, “Hey guys, listen up. The Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priest and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again” (Mark 10:33,34).

Those are heavy words. You’d think they might have stopped the disciples dead in their tracks, but not so. Instead, James and John approach Jesus and change the subject. “Teacher, we want you to do us a favor. When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left” (v. 37). Their response is akin to saying, “Yeah, okay. Whatever. By the way, we need You to do something for us.”

Part of me reads this story and says, “Duh? What were these guys thinking? Did they not hear what Jesus said? Did they not care about the suffering He was about to endure? How could they be so consumed by themselves that they missed what Jesus was about to do for them?” And then my finger points back to me.

If I fully understood the scope of what Jesus did for me, I would start each day on my face before Him expressing gratitude for His mercy and love. Instead, I often start by pouring out my requests for His help with this or that: “Thanks, Jesus, for dying for me. By the way, could You please provide money for this month’s mortgage? And while You’re at it, how about dealing with so-and-so? And by the way, I’m tired of rain, so would You please send sunshine soon?”

If I fully understood the scope of what Jesus did for me, I would also embrace a more confident outlook toward my circumstances. Jesus’ words He will rise again would infuse me with strength to face anything with the knowledge of His invincibility at work on my behalf. So long, fear.

Life’s busyness and personal interests can consume us if we let them. Perhaps we’d do well to pause and ponder Jesus’ words to His disciples. Before peppering Him with our wants, let’s thank Him for enduring pain and death on our behalf, and for promising us eternal victory through His resurrection.

Can you relate to my cluelessness?

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Sabbath Rest

Monday, February 28th, 2011

My life is not what some might consider “normal.” Take this weekend, for instance. My husband and I were at Missions Fest Alberta in Edmonton. Among other assignments, we manned our International Messengers booth on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday morning, we spoke at a church about 1 ½ hours’ drive from the conference venue. Then we returned to our booth where we talked with attendees until 5:30. That’s when the exhibition hall closed and we packed up our banners and brochures. Two flights and several hours later, we rolled into our own bed, exhausted.

Working weekends is what we do. If I’m not involved in ministry directly related to International Messengers, then I’m often speaking at a retreat somewhere and traveling home in the late afternoon or evening. However, when Monday morning dawns, my to-do list is waiting for me. Upcoming speaking engagements need my attention. So does the new DVD and study guide project. Book proposals wait to be penned. And then there’s the follow-up for people who have expressed an interest in summer ministry trips. And what about laundry, grocery shopping, housecleaning, and spending time with my kids and grandbabies?

Our ministry is expanding. Without a doubt, it could consume me. It would be easy to work seven days a week. In fact, I’ve been guilty of doing so. I’ve had good intentions of taking off a complete day mid-week to rest, but I’ve not been successful in pulling it off. I’ve struggled with a nagging fear that someone or something will fall between the cracks. Heaven forbid, something will be left undone and ministry will falter. But today I’m facing that fear.

I’m acknowledging that refusing to stop for one day is disobedience to God’s command for Sabbath rest (Leviticus 23:3 for one). It’s evidence that I’m depending on my own strength to accomplish ministry, and I want no part of that. And so, I’m making changes. They might take a few weeks to fully implement, and they might have to be flexible especially when we’re overseas for several weeks and taking a day to rest simply isn’t possible. They might even mean not writing a Monday blog once in a while. Regardless, I’m going to ask God to help me honor His command. After all, it’s for my own good. This is tough for me, considering my personality, but I’m looking forward to seeing how God will grant me wisdom and success in this endeavor.

How about you? What insights do you have about taking a Sabbath rest? If anyone out there has an abnormal schedule like mine, what advice can you offer?

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What Makes Believers Different?

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Scripture says Jesus’ followers are supposed to be salt and light, right? How does that happen? Here’s my two cents’ worth:

God’s presence is the key that sets us apart from the rest of the world. His Holy Spirit lives in us 24/7. If we allow Him full control, then He fills us with peace, patience, joy, gentleness, love, and wisdom. He teaches us how to behave in a people-respecting and God-honoring manner.

Practically speaking, that means we don’t yell and stamp our feet or slam the door behind us when we don’t get our own way. We don’t cheat on our income taxes. We stay true to our spouse. We turn off the TV when it’s broadcasting smut. Get the picture? God’s presence in us is supposed to make us different than the average Joe. But I think there’s more.

I believe His presence produces courage in us. Whether facing personal problems or global crisis, followers of Christ can emulate confidence. That doesn’t mean we never feel afraid, but it means we know how to deal with the fear when it strikes and we refuse to let it consume us.

When people look at us, they see something different – or at least they should! They ought to see character qualities and inner strength that attract them and cannot be counterfeited.

“For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth,” said Moses (Exodus 33:16). I think he’s right. How about you?

 Question: How do you think God’s presence sets His people apart from all others on the earth?

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Insights About Fear and Praise

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Yesterday I rode a Gold Wing motorbike for about six hours between Pasco and Snohomish, Washington. I usually cherish riding time because it gives me uninterrupted opportunity to ponder, pray, and praise. But yesterday’s experience was different. I pondered alright, but my thoughts sent me careening down a road shadowed with worry about a situation I’m currently facing. As the miles passed, my angst about this situation grew. I knew I had to do something and do it quick or fear and anxiety would consume me.

Past experience has taught me that praise is a powerful force when fighting fear. And so I put my head-knowledge into practice. I praised God for being sovereign in all (not merely some) circumstances. I praised Him for being wise, and for being faithful, and for being merciful. I praised Him for His strength and for His unfailing love. I also praised Him for redeeming our mistakes and turning them into something useful and good when we love Him. The result? Peace washed over me, slowly replacing my angst with a calm assurance that God was in control and I could rest in Him.

Praise isn’t a natural or easy response when messing with negative emotions. It takes effort and discipline to lasso and corral one’s thoughts. It requires deliberate action to turn them around and to focus them on the Truth of God’s promises. The effort is worth it, for then and then alone is when peace is restored.  

Psalm 35:9,10 describe how I felt yesterday upon making that effort: “Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because he rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise him: “LORD, who can compare with you?”

Fear’s weight lifted from my shoulders. I was finally able to relax and enjoy the ride and the beautiful scenery through which we passed. As we rounded a bend in the road to see majestic and snow-capped Mt. Rainer towering in the distance, I thought of God – the One who spoke it into being – and my heart sang, “Lord, who can compare with you? Surely I can trust You with every circumstance of my being.”

Today the same fear threatens to engulf me again. But I refuse to let it harm me. I’m rejecting its force by applying the power of praise as I did yesterday. There’s a battle raging, but praise will ultimately win.

Can you relate? What insights can you share with us about applying the power of praise when you feel afraid?

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Dealing with Discouragement

Monday, June 21st, 2010

What do you do when you feel discouraged?

(a)   Devour a bowlful (nay, a gallon) of your favorite ice cream

(b)  Take a long walk

(c)   Unload on a friend

(d)  Crank up your favorite praise and worship music

(e)   Take a nap

(f)   All of the above

(g)  None of the above

Our means of dealing with discouragement varies because we’re all different. As for me, I’ll go for a walk to clear my brain. I may even treat myself to a Tim Horton’s iced cappuccino. But more often than not, I’ll pray something like, “God, you know how I’m feeling right now. Thank You that I’m not alone. You’re with me and will give me the wisdom and where-with-all to get through this situation. Keep my eyes focused on You and Your promises rather than on my cause for discouragement.” Then I “pull up my big girl pants” and forge ahead.

Different people do different things when discouragement strikes. Take a look at Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19. He’d just experienced a landslide victory over the false god Baal. You’d think he’d feel like a world-conqueror now, but not so. His victory triggered a death threat from Queen Jezebel, and fear overwhelmed him. Personally, I think the guy was emotionally and physically spent from the battle with Baal’s false prophets; he couldn’t even think clearly at this point.

Elijah allowed Queen Jezebel’s threat to intimidate him. His discouragement level soared, and he ran away to who-knows-where. At one point he parted company with his servant and continued the journey alone. Verse 4 says, “Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’”

Elijah’s discouragement topped the scale. What might he have done to prevent that from happening? Here are my thoughts…

  • He might have refused to let Jezebel’s threat paralyze him by choosing to recall God’s mighty display of power in the battle against Baal.
  • He might have kept company with his servant rather than isolating himself.
  • He might have rested rather than traveling all day in the wilderness.
  • He might have changed his prayer from “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life,” to “I’ve had enough, Lord. Please take over because I don’t feel I can go on.”

I realize it’s easy for me to analyze Elijah’s situation and say what he should or should not have done. While I don’t mean to pronounce judgment on him, I believe there are some good principles to learn from his experience. Like…when circumstances discourage us, let’s choose not to focus on them but on the character of God, the Overcomer. Let’s refuse to isolate ourselves. Let’s care for our well-being though proper rest, nutrition, and exercise (how often does discouragement set in because we’re run down?). And let’s tell God exactly how we feel but not stop there – let’s always turn our focus back to Him and His ability to see us through.

How about you? What do you do when you feel discouraged?

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Fear and the Storms of Life

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

What’s with the fear issue? Seems that’s all I read about when I open my Bible these days. Maybe God’s trying to tell me something, ya think?

Yesterday I read about sailors whose ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged to the depths. These men cringed in terror, reeling and staggering like drunks. The storm drove them to their wits’ end where they cried, “Lord, help!”

And He did. “He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” (Psalm 107:26-30).

Several years ago I wrote a “Drama in Real Life” story for Reader’s Digest. I interviewed two men who’d survived a fishing boat accident off Vancouver Island. My blood ran cold as they described the storm they’d encountered at sea – howling winds and frigid waves that towered several stories high, tossing their boat like a bathtub toy and eventually sucking it beneath the water’s murky depths. The men’s terror matched the sailors’ fear as expressed in the Psalms. So did their cries for help.

It’s not only sailors at sea who experience storms that leave them at wits’ end. Landlubbers do, too – homemakers, office professionals, clergy, teachers, nurses, students, single moms….the list goes on indefinitely. I know several women my age and younger who are battling end-stage cancers right now. I know others who are reeling from marriage breakups or staggering under the weight of their kids making lousy choices with lifelong consequences. They’re at their wit’s end and crying, “Lord, help!”

And He does. Sometimes He calms the storm immediately; sometimes not. But regardless of the wind and waves of our circumstances, He can calm the storm that rages in our minds and our emotions.

The enemy of our souls wants to keep us entrenched and immobilized by fear. But God wants to fill us with courage, to calm our anxious thoughts, and to set us free from fear’s power. Every time I feel afraid, I call, “Lord, help!” I remind myself that His love for me never fails. I find courage in remembering His faithfulness to me in the past, and I find peace in reciting truth such as, “God has promised to never leave or forsake me, and He’s bigger than any storm I will ever encounter.” My circumstances might not change immediately, but I experience a blessed stillness within.

Have you experienced a storm in life? If not, I want to know your strategy for storm evasion. If so, how did you survive?

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