No More Fear

Fear has a way of stripping us of our confidence and making us feel inadequate, undeserving and alone.  We are each created by God and made a little lower than the angels.  Regardless of our flaws, WE are His creatures, He adores us and wants the best for us.  God is not standing over us scolding us.  He is watching and protecting us and even when we fall, God is always there standing with open arms ready to help us start over again or keep going.  Today, be bold and trust that God has you in this place or in this season for a reason.  You are more than qualified to fulfill the calling.  Be BOLD in HIM!!

• Complete this affirmation.  God created me and believes in me and I am more than qualified to ______________________.
• How has this week of facing your fears challenged you and made you stronger?

Reflection:

This week you challenged yourself to conquer your fears.  Take time to reflect and celebrate your progress.  You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you were last week either.  Congratulations, you’re almost there!!

Day 5 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Psalm 27:1 ~ “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Motivation ~

Fear does not necessarily mean danger, it simply means fear. We associate fear with danger because that is how our body interacts with our God given motivation for self preservation. When we go into a dark room, we might sense fear, especially if we are apprehensive about the dark, but that does not mean that there actually is a danger. It only means that there is an unknown, and that unknown can breed fear – fear of the unknown. To fight the fear of the unknown, counteract it with faith based on the known – the known will of God.

Fear Assignment (write in journal)

• Write down what things have you been afraid of but now realize it doesn’t actually exist?

Reflection ~
Today whenever you feel afraid, reaffirm your faith and belief in a KNOWN GOD. You may not be sure but GOD IS CERTAIN!  #NoMoreFear

Day 6 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

“…I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.”  Paul – Acts 27:25

Motivation ~ Get Your Faith Up!

I recently watched The Lakers play while in LA and God spoke to me about FAITH and FEAR.  Being in faith is much like watching a sporting event.  We watch the players sweat and strain and run back and forth.  There are moments when things look good, and moments when things do not look so good, but in the end, it is all irrelevant, WE WIN!!

True faith knows beforehand what will happen.  Faith is a pre-knowledge of the coming victory, and this knowledge gives us peace.  No matter what things look like now, Get Your Faith Up and Trust God to do EXACTLY what He said he would do.  Whatever God has told you, shown you, or whispered to you WILL COME TO PASS!!  In Christ WE WIN!!

Fear Factor Assignment (write in journal)

• What are you trusting God to do in your life?  What makes your faith waiver and allows fear to creep into the equation?

• Today, look at the situation that has you afraid and speak Acts 27:25.

Reflection ~
Sometimes we need to look back over our life to remember all the other things God has protected us from and brought us through.  Remind yourself of the last time God made a way when you THOUGHT there was no way!!

#NoMoreFear #GetYoutFaithUp

Day 7 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

I think fear works a little like a cold virus. Those viruses are all around us all the time. And fairly often I let one in and feel the early symptoms of a cold—a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, a drop in energy, and telltale grumpiness. I’ve learned to pay attention to those symptoms, to take some vitamin C, and to get some rest. Most of the time the symptoms pass without slowing me down for very long. Sometimes, though, the virus pulls me down into a bad cold. When that happens I have to work on getting well and wait for the cold to run its course.

If we ignore the symptoms, our colds have the potential to developed into pneumonia. It takes a lot of time in bed and a lot of penicillin to get our strength back. That’s why it is important to take every cold seriously and to be on the lookout for the symptoms—pneumonia can be life threatening, you know.

In my experience, fear is like that cold. Fear is out there all the time, ready for us to let it in. We often find ourselves a little anxious and worried, a little discouraged and doubtful. We often have moments when we don’t feel capable of solving our problems, of meeting our challenges, of overcoming of sorrows. Those are symptoms that need immediate attention. We have learned this as a result of a few extended bouts with fear—times when we were disabled spiritually and emotionally. Fear, too, can be life threatening.

Fear Factor Challenge (write in journal)
What are the symptoms in your life you need to treat as it relates to fear?

#NoMoreFear

Day 8 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Scripture

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6–7

Try Something New ~ What is holding you back from trying new things and improving your life in big or small ways in your daily life?  When you boil it down it is most often not about anything outside of you. Or that is at least not the biggest reason why you feel paralyzed. It’s the fear that gets to you.  It holds you back from trying something new for lunch, a new place for the evening out or a new hobby because you feel somewhat afraid that you’ll have a bad experience. So you stick to your usual routine.  It holds you back from asking someone for a date or number because you don’t want to risk being rejected or looking like a fool in front of people. So you don’t take the next step.  You stay where you are and new directions in your life remain unexplored.

Fear Factor Challenge

• Make a list of 3 things you want to try but have been afraid because of fear.

• Present them before God through prayer and scripture and make up in your mind to Try Something New!

#NoMoreFear

Day 9 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Ask yourself this question —-> What is the worst that could happen?

Here is a very practical exercise we can all do!

Ask yourself this question. Really think about. Don’t just think about it for a few seconds. Sit down with a pen and piece of paper, your laptop or cellphone. Write it all out and think about what the realistic worst-case scenario would be.

Then write down a plan for how you can come back from such a scenario.
This step brings clarity, defuses fuzzy fears and helps you realize that you can most often bounce back pretty quickly even if the worst-case scenario somehow becomes reality.

Reflection:

Take time to realize that for most of our fears it’s never really as bad as it looks.  We simply internalize it and allow it to outgrow our faith.  Tonight is a good night to face your fear.

#NoMoreFear

Day 10~ Fear Factor Challenge

Scripture & Prayer:
Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Dear God:
Thank you for another day to talk with you. You keep showing us over and over again that you will always be here, yet we still have an overwhelming fear of being abandoned. We fear being honest, because maybe that person will stop talking to us. We fear being loved or giving love for fear it won’t be received or one day simply vanish. We fear asking for raises on our jobs for fear of termination or being criticized by co-workers. Some days we just don’t feel or think we are enough or good enough.

Yet, here we are again on another beautiful day surrounded by the same grace, protection, opportunities, promises and love that you assured us in your word would also be here for us.  God today we commit to putting our trust in you and realizing that our steps are already ordered. Nothing we do or say today changes what you have already destined us to be.

God thank you for being patient with us and loving us unconditionally. Thank you for helping us to face our fear of being alone, rejected and abandoned. Today we affirm Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ we will be strong and of good courage, knowing that you will never abandon us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Fear Factor Challenge (write in journal)

• Today ask yourself what have you not done or said for fear of being abandoned. Is it the raise, going back to school, a relationship, your mother or a friend? Write down what you want to say to that person or what you know you need to do.
• Next, pray over it and ask God to give you the courage to have that conversation or take that next step.

Reflection
Remember that you are made in God’s image. You are already loved by God. Think through other rough times and smile because God brought you through. He just keeps blessing us over and over again. Remember, You Are Loved & You Are More Than Enough!!
#NoMoreFear

Day 11 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Scripture & Motivation

1 Corinthians 10:13 ~“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

We have NO REASON to be afraid or depressed because GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES A WAY OF ESCAPE.  What do you do when your fears and depression are stronger than what you feel you can handle? There are times that no matter what we do, our fears have the best of us.  Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how we will get through the rest of the week, let’s try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with our problems. We never know when the answers we are looking for will come to our doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Fear Factor Challenge (write in journal)

• Take a few minutes to write down all of the things that you are thankful for in your life. This list could include past accomplishments and all the things that you take for granted. The next time you feel depressed, review your list and think about the good things that you have in your life.

• Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.  Changing your thinking can help you manage your fears.

Reflection:

Remember that there is one power that is stronger than your fears and depression and that is the power of God. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problems.  It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him. #NoMoreFear

Day 12 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

A DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT!! God knew we would have fears. The Bible provides us with comfort and assurance that we have no reason to be afraid. The Bible Works!!

Fear Factor Challenge (Read 3 times a day and when you are afraid)

Today equip yourself with the Word of God. Read the scriptures below and hide the Word in your heart.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (NKJV)

Joshua 1:3
I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you … No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (NLT)

1 Chronicles 28:20
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. (NIV)

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (NKJV)

Psalm 56:3–4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (NIV)

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV)

Matthew 10:26
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:7–11
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)

Hebrews 13:5–6
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (NKJV)

1 Peter 3:13–14
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” (NIV)

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (NIV)

#NoMoreFear

Day 13 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Scripture & Motivation

1 Chronicles 28:20 ~ “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”

We’ve been on this journey for more than 2 weeks now and we’ve experienced some highs, some lows, some scares, some relief, and some progress but most importantly we’ve made progress.  We may not be where we want to be but we are not where we used to be.  I love this scripture because God assures us and gives us instruction.  He tells us to be strong and courageous and to DO THE WORK.  He assures us that we are not alone, God is with us and He will not fail us.  That’s good news.

Fear Factor Challenge (write in journal)

• Today, take a moment and commit this scripture to memory and hide it in your heart.
• Go back through your journal and take notice of your progress and things you still need to work through.  Tell yourself that it’s okay if you haven’t done it all but that you are committed to remaining on the journey even after this challenge is over.

#NoMoreFear

Day 13 ~ Fear Factor Challenge

Scripture & Motivation

1 Chronicles 28:20 ~ “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”

We’ve been on this journey for more than 2 weeks now and we’ve experienced some highs, some lows, some scares, some relief, and some progress but most importantly we’ve made progress. We may not be where we want to be but we are not where we used to be. I love this scripture because God assures us and gives us instruction. He tells us to be strong and courageous and to DO THE WORK. He assures us that we are not alone, God is with us and He will not fail us. That’s good news.

Fear Factor Challenge (write in journal)

• Today, take a moment and commit this scripture to memory and hide it in your heart.

• Go back through your journal and take notice of your progress and things you still need to work through. Tell yourself that it’s okay if you haven’t done it all but that you are committed to remaining on the journey even after this challenge is over.

#NoMoreFear