A friend and I are delving into a Bible study called Conversations on Purpose for Women. I say delving because this is not one of those "read a scripture, give your interpretation" type studies. We are digging deeply into our own hearts, examining our motives, fears and life experiences searching for the passions the Lord has placed within us.
The enemy uses fear almost more than any other weapon in his arsenal to cripple Christians. We are afraid of things in the natural, as well as our own weaknesses. These fears, whether real or perceived, leave us feeling inadequate to do what the Lord has called us to do. Bingo! That is exactly the response the enemy was looking for!
Fear is nothing new. Many Bible heroes dealt with their own insecurities. Moses was afraid to face the Israelites and Pharaoh. Because he stuttered, he feared public speaking. Gideon used his lower social status to make excuses when called on by God. The list is endless because people are people. Modern or ancient, our fears can overwhelm us. The reason these people can stand today as heroes of faith is because they were willing to set their fears aside and step out in what God was calling them to do. How would history have looked had Moses simply said, "Sorry God. You're going to have to find someone else. I'm afraid and I'm not going to do it!"?
How are we allowing our fears to affect our history? More often than not, our fears are false. They are merely our skewed perceptions of God's reality. What fears are you facing today that are keeping you from doing what God has called you to do? Only when we break through the barrier of fear can we access God's best for our lives.
I was browsing for the purpose of locating some Texans. Our oldest, a daughter, & her husband are moving to Austin in a few weeks for graduate school @ UT. They were both homeschooled. Our daughter has a BA in Music & currently teaches violin & piano @ a university here & has 41 students. She desires to continue teaching in Austin & has a heart for children; however, she has students of all ages. She is a precious Christian young lady. If you know of anyone in that area who is looking for great music teacher, I would be grateful for the information. God bless!
Boy, did God send you to my blog right at the perfect moment. Your post spoke to me and reminded me (well, how much I have in common with whiny old Gideon ;-) of the fact that fear doesn't come from the hand of God, but from the pits of hell.
Oh, that I would learn (quickly!) that my eyes need to stay on God so that I walk victoriously on the path he has set me on. Indeed He planned for me to be the mother of my 6 children- he didn't bring the 5 adopted ones to me by mistake, but because he knew he would equip me to meet their needs.
As I was reading the bible this morning, before the wee ones had gotten out of bed...I came across Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say on the Lord!
Somedays (who am I kidding, all days) it takes courage to walk out his plan for my life-but the promise is that He comes along and gives me strength (and wisdom), making my paths straight.
thanks again for your post and your kind, thoughtful, encouraging words on my blog today. I hope you will come back, I am afraid I may need the encouragement! lol
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
http://overthemoonwithjoy.blogspot.com
Fear is a powerful tool of the enemy. Thankfully, God has given us His Word as a more powerful weapon. Time and time again He tells us to fear not. Too many times, we neglect reading the Bible and are unable to use it as a defense. I know I am guilty of that!
Fear is a daily challenge, isn't it? Often my initial reaction to a new and difficult situation is to seize-up, become anxious, forget that everything from the Father is for our good!
Thanks for your reminder to be aware of this enemy and it's undermining effects. Blessings!
Thank you! I saw your son's darling pic on your site. Wish my daughter lived closer. She does so great with little boys having only brothers and her dh has SEVEN brothers so she is the only girl for miles! Hope you find a teacher. All three of ours play violin. Our daughter has been able to earn a nice living between teaching & playing in a wedding quartet. Tell Greyson to keep plugging away! :)
The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
