I’m writing this at 32,000 feet, somewhere between London and Budapest. My final destination is Resita, Romania—the industrial city that produced the steel to build the Eiffel Tower. My reason for this trip is twofold: to minister among teens and young adults living with HIV/AIDS, and later, to help lead an evangelistic family camp in Poland.

Grace and Gene Fox -- IM Canada co-directors

Upon hearing about this venture, some people said, “Wow, good for you! I’d love to do something like that, but it won’t happen.”

I questioned them. “Why not? What’s holding you back?”

Some replied, “I’m scared to fly.” Others said, “I’m afraid of contracting HIV.” Some said, “I’m afraid of traveling in a country where I can’t speak the language.”

My answer? “Acknowledge those fears and then do it afraid.”

FEAR: FRIEND OR FOE?

Fear wears many faces: the fear of inadequacy, the fear of rejection, of failure, of financial insecurity, of an unknown future, and more. If we don’t recognize and deal with it, it will hinder us from embracing life as God intends and prevent His purpose for us from being fulfilled.

I’ve struggled with debilitating fear in the past, but I no longer let it rule me. I now view it as a catalyst for spiritual growth. For example, I believe that when God gives us tasks that stretch us beyond our comfort zones, saying yes forces us to depend on Him. It guarantees an opportunity for us to experience His presence, power and equipping. Fear, then becomes our friend.

I’ve found this to be true in my writing and speaking ministry. This was not a role I sought. Rather, at age 41, I sensed God telling me to write. He gave clear instructions: interview two specific women and write their profiles. I felt totally inadequate and feared failure. But I said yes and did it afraid.

The result? Ten years later, I’ve written hundreds of articles for more than 40 magazines, authored four books, and produced a Bible study and teaching DVD about—you guessed it—moving from fear to freedom.

My writing ministry quickly expanded to include speaking at international women’s events, writers conferences, and on radio and TV. It’s been a white-knuckle ride, but I’ve experienced God’s presence and power in ways that I would have missed otherwise.

In the FamilyLife Today studio with Dennis Rainey and Bob LePine

I’ve also found this to be true in my role as national co-director for International Messengers Canada (www.im-canada.ca). My husband and I assumed leadership in 2007 after the U.S. office asked us to do so. At first we wondered whether we were qualified for the new responsibilities. One of our roles would be to recruit, train, and lead short-term ministry teams to Eastern Europe. What if no one volunteered? What if our best attempts failed? Humanly speaking, we had good reason to feel scared. But we believed God was directing our steps, and so we said yes and did it afraid.

The result? We’ve witnessed God in action: He provided housing, a rent-free office, an administrative assistant, and short-term volunteers. This is our tenth ministry trip to Eastern Europe since 2007 and we’ve seen spiritual hunger satisfied as men and women have come to understand God’s unconditional love for them. What a thrill to be part of God’s kingdom-building team in the post-Communist bloc.

My tagline is “Leading Women in Fearless Faith.” Does that mean I never wrestle with fear? No. It simply means that I no longer allow fear to intimidate me. Rather, I counteract it by admitting it to God, asking others to pray for me, filling my mind with the truth of God’s word, and then moving forward—doing it afraid. That’s my prayer for you, too.

When God calls you to a task that leaves your knees knocking, say yes and do it afraid. Move forward and trust Him to equip you to get the job done. I guarantee you’ll discover a greater understanding of who God is and what His purposes are for your life.

***

Grace Fox is national co-director of International Messengers Canada, a ministry that offers creative short-term and career service opportunities in the post-Communist bloc – www.im-canada.ca She’s also an international speaker and author of several books. Her latest release is a Bible study and accompanying 7-part teaching DVD titled Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation. Available at Amazon.com and other online stores, and www.gracefox.com (groups discounts available there). Join her on FB – www.facebook.com/gracefox.author.

The taxi ride wound for 22 miles through lush countryside and took us across the Polish border. The road had partly washed out in several places, so it narrowed to single lane access periodically. As we approached the first Polish village, the driver  pointed at a building on the right. “Train,” he said. Then he pulled over and stopped.

We’d expected to board a train, but our directions told us that our station was in the next town. The taxi driver motioned with his hands and verbally assured us that this station was okay, so we climbed out and whispered a little prayer. Gene stepped inside the station to inquire about tickets to our next stop and was delighted to find that the agent spoke a little English. She, too, assured him that we could catch the proper train at this station. Gene paid the driver, and off he drove, back to Slovakia.

Cold drinks are not always readily available in these countries, but this wee station had a cooler with a sparse supply of Nestea and Coca-Cola products. Cold lemon iced tea never tasted so good. A tiny grocery store across the street had a freezer filled with ice cream, and a good selection of yogurt and bananas. We felt like we’d struck gold! But the best part was the conversation with the train station’s ticket agent.

Her name was Iwona. A beautiful blonde gal, she was, about 24 years old. She seemed delighted to practice conversational English with us. She plugged in a kettle and made me a cup of instant coffee for no charge. I gave her a new cloth grocery bag, a souvenir of Canada, in exchange.

Iwona asked if we were tourists, traveling the world. I said, “No, but we come to your country once or twice every year.” I explained that we bring North American volunteers to teach English at family camps. Her eyes lit up. “This is wonderful,” she said. As we spoke, a thought came to my mind: Give her a Bible and tell her about your book that’s now available in her language.

And that’s exactly what I did. Just so happens that I’d stuffed bookmarks in my backpack before leaving home—bookmarks that show the covers of my four books. I gave one to her and pointed to Moving from Fear to Freedom. “This book has been written in the Polish language,” I said.

Iwona’s eyes nearly popped. “You speak Polish?”

“No, but someone translated it,” I said.

“I must buy this book,” she said.

My husband had been sitting nearby, doing some work on his laptop. Overhearing our conversation, he opened a file containing the cover image for the Polish edition of Moving from Fear to Freedom.

Moving from Fear to Freedom -- available in Polish!

I showed Iwona the picture and gave her the internet link to the Polish distributor that carries the book. Then I handed her a copy of the New Testament (New Living Translation—the same translation we distribute at our family camps here). She gave me a beautiful smile and clutched the Bible to her chest. “Thank you!” she said. “I’m so excited. So very excited!”

Why did the driver drop us at the train station prior to the one our directions stated? I think I know. A young woman named Iwona was working there, and God is drawing her to Himself. What a joy to be part of His plan for her life. Would you pray for this gal? Ask God to give her a desire to read the Word. Ask Him to help her understand it and grant her the faith to believe it.

The train arrived a few minutes later, and off we went. I stood, looking out the window at the station as we chugged past, knowing that the likelihood of meeting Iwona a second time are nil. Then again, I met the Romanian granny two years in a row. Never say never.

The train ride lasted one hour, followed by a two hour bus ride. Well….maybe two will stretch into more because we hit road construction and had to take a detour. The bus on which I’m sitting now reminds me of the buses in Nepal. We’re winding along narrow country roads and chugging at walking pace uphill. Sometimes a breeze blows through open windows, but most often not. There was no cargo compartment, so our suitcases are stacked atop each other beside the driver’s feet. At least they won’t topple down the stairwell when they’re stacked like building blocks (as opposed to standing upright).

Another half hour or so remains. Then we’ll catch another train. That one will deliver us to Krakow where we’ll spend the night in a hostel. We’ve been there many times before, so the owner knows us. It feels like home away from home. Tomorrow we’ll catch another train to Gorzow. This leg will take 12 hours but require only one change. Praying for air conditioning and more divine appointments!

A cathedral within walking distance from my new friend's apartment.

I knew that our schedule was jam-packed, but I also knew that I could slip away for a brief time without causing a problem. And so I agreed. When Chris phoned the woman later that evening to ask if she’d like to see me, she immediately said yes. And that’s how the special encounter came about.

Chris, my husband, and I arrived at the woman’s apartment at 10 AM. She was waiting outside her door. She greeted us with a warm smile and the traditional kiss on each cheek and then welcomed us into her living room.

We chatted about her family and her education, and we listened to her stories about life under Communist rule. Then she got up and went into her kitchen to prepare tea. “May I help you?” I asked. “You can come with me,” she said.

Women around the world share many similarities. One of them is the ability to make a soul connection in a short time. That’s exactly what happened once we were alone. She told me about experiencing a traumatic situation that had resulted in a huge amount of stress (I’m sorry I can’t give more details, but I must respect confidentiality). Everything climaxed during a 10-day period. It was during that time that Chris, who’d been a friend and business associate for many years, learned of her circumstances and gave her the book. “It came at just the right time,” said my hostess, and she gave me a warm embrace. “Thank you, thank you.”

I returned her hug, dumbstruck at how God orchestrated details leading to this moment…

• Moving from Fear to Freedom was published and released in August, 2007.
• Two weeks later, we launched International Messengers Canada. Multiple ministry trips to Eastern Europe followed.
• On one such trip, in late January 2009, I spoke at a women’s event in Slovakia and sold a few copies of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation.
• Ten months later, my new friend experienced tragedy, and Chris gave her a copy of my book. (Funny thing is that he doesn’t remember how he got it. I suspect that someone who bought it in January passed it along. But why would she have given it to him, an unmarried man?)
• Last week, my hubby and I brought a volunteer team to Slovakia. Our team was short-handed, so a week prior to our arrival, Chris volunteered to join the group. On Friday evening, I met Chris for the first time. He recognized my name and knew that I’d authored the book that he passed along in 2009.
• Chris asked me if I had time to meet this gal if she was willing and able. Both of our schedules allowed this.

I look at these details and marvel at how God has demonstrated His love for my new friend. But there’s more. When I told her about the new Bible study and DVD to accompany the book, her eyes lit up. She smiled and said, “Ohhhh…I would like that.”

It just so happens that one of our career staff who ministers in this city is in Canada now. I plan to phone her when I return to home, and to ask her to deliver a DVD and study guide to this gal upon her return to Slovakia in September. I’ll also send a copy of the original book because, when I asked the lady if she still had her copy, she said, “No. I gave it to a friend. It’s making the rounds.” Praise God!

This encounter was one I hadn’t anticipated when I arrived in Kosice. Authors love golden moments such as this, when they learn about how their books are impacting people’s lives in ways that only God could orchestrate. What a thrill! Now I’ll pray that He’ll use the Bible study and DVD to do far more in the lives of women here.

On Wednesday, I’ll tell you about a dream that’s come to mind since worshiping in a Roma (“gypsy”) congregation.

In 2010, the DVD and study guide resource to accompany Moving from Fear to Freedom was my “something” that guaranteed failure unless God stepped in. Some days I felt like I’d stepped off a cliff.  I knew beyond a doubt that God had orchestrated every detail, but still, the fear of failure loomed large. Time after time, I had to intentionally choose to continue moving forward albeit on my knees, focusing on God’s character with every step.

In 2011, it appears that God has given me another “something” that guarantees failure unless He steps in. This one takes me into the corporate world. When God first began dropping clues about this assignment in late 2009, I said yes and began learning the necessary skills. Step by step, I followed where I sensed Him directing me. Now the path is becoming more defined. If I’m correctly interpreting His guidance, then I must begin making concrete commitments such as booking a facility, hiring a graphic artist, networking with business women, and more. The fear of failure glares at me and asks, “What if your so-called project flops? What if no one registers? What if you invest money and see no return? Worse yet, you take a financial nosedive?”

I hear the voice of fear and must intentionally choose to disregard it. I must continue moving forward on my knees, once again focusing on God’s character with every step. I find encouragement in Jesus’ words to the disciples: “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!” (Mark 6:50). God’s presence is my only hope. If He’s going before me, as I truly believe He is, then all will be well even if things aren’t stamped a success by the world’s standards.

How about you? What are your thoughts about attempting something large enough that failure is guaranteed unless God steps in? What promise gives you courage to move forward?

 Image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

• The birth of our third grandchild, Caleb Matthew.
  

  Grandma Grace and Caleb

• Watching our other grandchildren’s personalities develop and enjoying building relationships with them.
• Our youngest daughter boomeranged home to attend university.
• Our son-in-law landed a job that pays more and provides more fulfillment than the previous one. Our daughter’s online ministry to women using the natural family planning method grew.
• Our son graduated from university and found a job he enjoys.
• In partnership with Stonecroft Ministries, we produced a 7-part teaching DVD based on Moving From Fear to Freedom, to be released in the spring of 2011 with an accompanying study guide.
• Hubby and I taught parenting and marriage workshops in Poland and the Ukraine.
• Hubby and I shared the podium at one-day FamilyLife marriage conferences.
• Ministered to young adults living with HIV/AIDS in Romania.
• Ministered at an evangelistic family camp in Poland.
• Trained several dozen Canadian and American volunteers for cross-cultural evangelism.
• Enjoyed two interviews with Dennis Rainey and Bob LePine on FamilyLife Today.
• Saw God provide our financial needs through faithful donors.
• I underwent a personal stretch by taking training to launch into speaking at corporate events in 2011.

It does the heart good to look back and see God’s faithfulness. As I reflect, I see where He’s been faithful through the challenges, too…

• Cancer struck nearly 10 close friends and family members.
• Our basement flooded three times.
•  My neck developed arthritic spurs and I now live in constant pain.
• Our daughter’s car was vandalized twice.
• Two book proposals were rejected.
• Hopes for a restful getaway were dashed several times by family emergencies or ministry scheduling conflicts.

All in all, 2010 was filled with blessings, challenges, and personal growth. I anticipate more of the same in 2011. The specifics are anyone’s guess, but I know the details rest in God’s hands. Proverbs 31:25 describes the attitude with which I want to approach the New Year and whatever it brings: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

I pray this verse describes your outlook, too.

What were some of your highlights for 2010? How have you seen God’s faithfulness?

“Please, God, use Moving From Fear to Freedom to encourage women of all ages. Direct listeners’ and readers’ hearts into the fullness of Your unconditional and sacrificial love. Protect them from the enemy’s tactics by guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Thank You in advance for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ”

If you’re interested in knowing more about the upcoming corresponding study guide and 7-part DVD teaching series for Moving From Fear to Freedom, fill out the form on my website home page and I’ll send you info when it’s ready for release.

Speaking of moving beyond fear, I’ve meditated on Daniel’s life this week. Imagine what he may have felt like when he learned about the law written to kill him. Frightened? Probably.  Angry? Perhaps. Some people might have flown into a rage at the injustice. Some would have run for safety. Who would blame them? Not I.

But Daniel was no ordinary guy: “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (Daniel 6:10).

What enabled Daniel to defy the king’s edict despite facing death in the lions’ den? His faith in God, built over time spent in His presence on a regular basis. That faith far outweighed fear, filled him with courage, and even enabled him to express thanksgiving in the midst of knee-knockin’ circumstances. Wow.

Daniel’s example inspires and encourages me. I hope it does the same for you. It proves that fearful circumstances needn’t knock us off our axis. They needn’t put us into a panic. When they strike, we can stand firm in our faith and trust God – with whom we’ve been pursuing relationship – to see us through.

What difficult circumstances are you facing today? An abusive relationship? The recent loss of a loved one? A heart-stopping medical diagnosis? A job lay-off? Whatever you’re facing, know that God is bigger. Go to Him in prayer. Read and believe His promises. Give thanks that He’s sovereign, powerful, wise, and loving. Take practical action if your circumstances warrant them. And then be still and let God be God.

Know you are loved, my friend.

I address that issue in Moving From Fear to Freedom in the chapter titled “Facing the Ghosts of Our Past.” I also teach a retreat session on it. It’s a sensitive one for me because I share from my heart about struggles I’ve faced, how the enemy duped me with lies for years, and how God finally set me free. Tomorrow evening, I’ll teach a shortened version for the 7^th and final recording session for the DVD series based on this book. Wouldn’t ya know it? Today as I read in my devotions, God gave me Scriptures that are custom-designed for this topic.

Hebrews 10 tells us about the sacrifices made in OT times. “If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (vv. 2-4).

Year after year, people made these animal sacrifices to receive cleansing from their sins, but the stain remained on their hearts. Nothing they did could fully remove the feelings of guilt and shame for the wrongs they’d committed.

But when Christ came, everything changed. “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand….For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (vv. 11,12,14).

Christ’s shed blood became the permanent sin-stain remover. When we place our faith in Him, it washes our heart’s history clean. Yes, the enemy might tempt us to second-guess that cleansing work by bringing up constant reminders of past failures and mistakes, but we mustn’t allow him the pleasure of victory. When he tries to discourage us, we can turn those moments into prayers of thanksgiving for Christ’s work on our behalf. And we can find hope and joy in knowing that Christ Himself doesn’t remember our blotches. “Then he says, ‘I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds’” (v. 17). How sweet is that?  

Have your sin-stains been permanently removed? If not, it’s time to ask Christ to do His magnificent work in your heart: “Father, thank You for shedding Your blood for my sin.  Cleanse me from my sin and create in me a new heart. I trust You alone for my salvation and to make me holy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Know you are loved…

I’ve faced rejection many times. One of the most hurtful happened when a fellow to whom I’d been engaged dumped me when another young woman attracted his attention. His attitude and actions left me doubting my worth and feeling completely unlovable. The fact that he’d said he loved me but later reneged broke my heart and left me with trust issues that carried into my marriage years later.

My feelings of worthlessness stuck like Velcro for ‘way too long. What finally helped me move beyond their grip? Catching wee glimpses of God’s love for me as expressed in His Word and choosing to trust His integrity with the depths of my heart.  

How much does He love me and thee? We can’t even begin to count the ways! His devotion to us supersedes anything our minds can comprehend. “His unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth…the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him,” says Psalm 103:11,17.

Will God turn His back on those whose hearts are bent on pleasing Him? Not a chance. Will He tire of us and cast us aside? Never. Will He betray us by taking His love from us and giving it to someone else? No, no, no. God’s love for us cannot be measured and it will never, ever fail.

So long as we’re warm and breathing, we face the possibility of personal rejection by other human beings. But God’s love for us remains forever. Can we trust Him? Yes. Do we trust Him? That’s another question.

What insights do you have about God’s love for His children? We’d love to hear from you!

Last evening I spoke to a group of about 30 women. We’d met to videotape session 4 for the DVD series based on Moving From Fear to Freedom.  The title was “Facing the Storms of Life” and I wanted to encourage them not to seek to avoid the storms but to learn to dance in the rain. The only way that’s possible, I believe, is to know Jesus Christ and cling to His promises.

And so, I closed the evening with Isaiah 43:1,2,4,5. “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you, I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you….You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

Everything went well until I reached the part about the flames, and that’s when it hit me. Looking over the audience, I saw the faces of several women experiencing storms right now, and my heart broke for them. The pain of cancer, prodigal kids, divorce, abuse….it’s all there. My voice choked up and I couldn’t continue. It seemed like forever until I could speak, and when I did, words came from my mouth that I hadn’t anticipated saying.

“I know that some of you are going through storms right now. I want to make myself available to you to talk or pray, so I’ll sit at the back of this room. Come see me there, if you like.” Three women responded. God was at work, doing something good apart from my script. Imagine that.

This morning I struggle with mixed feelings. The choked voice, the pause, the struggle to regain my composure – it’s all on videotape. Part of me wrestles with feelings of failure as a speaker. The other part says to let it go and just let God do what He wants. His heart breaks for the pain these women carry, too. The good news is that He wants to heal them, to fill their hearts with peace and joy, to free them from their fears….to teach them to dance in the rain. And I’m trusting that He’ll do it regardless of my weaknesses and foibles.

These verses from Isaiah are so powerful. I pray that God will use them to accomplish His purposes in the lives of these precious women and those who will watch the video series when it’s released. I pray that they’ll bless you today, too, my friend.

Is there any part of these verses that’s particularly meaningful to you today?

Dennis Rainey, Grace, Bob LePine at FamilyLife Today

I remember when I first sensed God nudging me to write this book. My human logic scoffed at the idea: “Who, me? You want me to do what? Are you kidding? I can’t do that.” It reminded me that I’d never taken a course about how to write books. And it ridiculed me with possible failure or rejection if I tried. Thank goodness God’s voice spoke louder than logic.

Relying on human logic makes sense in some cases. For example, we know that washing our hands with soap after using the toilet helps prevent the spread of disease. We understand that driving drunk will likely result in an accident. And spending money frivolously while on a limited budget will drain our bank account dry. Some facts about life never change and they don’t require the brains of a rocket scientist to figure them out. But human logic doesn’t always align with God’s method of thinking. Sometimes His ways look silly or even slightly ridiculous when measured against Human Logic 101.

How did Noah feel when God told him to build the ark? What did Joshua think when God told him to march around Jericho seven times and then blast it with trumpets? What did Moses feel when God told him to draw water from a rock for millions of thirsty Israelites? If these guys had listened to logic, their stories would have ended much differently.

Sometimes human logic is downright contrary to God’s thinking. Take for instance, the reasoning behind euthanasia or the abortion industry. Logic says inconvenience justifies the ending of life; God says all life is precious. Logic says we must have financial security; God warns us to trust in Him alone to meet our needs. Logic says we can satisfy our selfish desires in secret and get away with it God says what’s hidden in the darkness will be brought to light. Logic tells us we’re not skilled enough or smart enough or talented enough to do what God is asking us to do; God says He’ll equip us for the task.                                                                                                       

If we want to live life as God intends for us, then we need to discern the difference between human logic and His way thinking, and we need to choose the latter. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 

When human logic fails to align with what God says, we need to call it what it is: a false argument and a rebellious thought. If we listen to it and live by it, it becomes a proud obstacle that keeps us from knowing God. Our responsibility is to destroy it using God’s mighty weapons. We need to fill our minds with the Truth of His Word and listen to the voice of His Holy Spirit, obeying what He says rather than following the logic that leads us down the wrong path.

Human logic told me that I had little or nothing of significance to offer other women. God said otherwise.  If I’d listened to logic and agreed with it, I’d have rebelled against God. That would have prevented me from experiencing His amazing sufficiency and surprises.

Can you relate to what I’ve expressed today? Has human logic hindered you from experiencing life as God intends for you? If so, how?