“What Are You Afraid Of?”
What if something bad happens? What if we don’t make it? What if we don’t have enough? What if the answer is no/yes? What if I lose my job? What if I am not good enough? Did you know that the “What ifs” can kill you or kill your dream? I can go on and on with the what ifs that have come through my mind, can you? The “What ifs” can be so strong in your mind that they create fear. Fear is defined as something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension, something a person is afraid of, a concern or anxiety. I have also heard fear defined as False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. Any way you look at it, it’s not good for us and its toxic thinking.
What are your fears? How often does a fearful thought enter your mind? When a fearful thought enters our mind and stays there, it can cripple us to the point that we will not move forward. It can stop us or delay us from accomplishing the goals that God has set for us. I recently attended a Marriage Conference and felt that I should share my book, “Marriage from A to Z” with one of the representatives at the conference. I went to get my book and placed it in my purse but then fear came over me. What if he doesn’t accept it, What if he says they don’t need any more books and What if he is not interested? After allowing all of these thoughts to go through my mind, fear came over me and I did not act on what I felt lead to do.
Fear can hurt your marriage and relationships. If you have frequent thoughts like; “What if she/he cheats on me? What if I am not a good husband/wife/parent? What if I can’t provide? If your mind is covered with fear, you will not be able to fully embrace your spouse or the relationship because you are afraid that something bad may happen. You want your children to have memorable experiences but you fear letting them go and experience memorable moments. Fear will hinder you from moving forward on something that you really want to accomplish. Some people want to get married but are afraid to commit because they fear divorce.
This week I want to challenge you to get rid of your fearful thoughts. Act on what God is telling you to do. The truth of the matter is that what happens, God will be with you and he will help you. However, He does not want us to spend our lives being afraid. We must trust God regardless of what it looks like. Have faith and believe God. Be calm and cool because according to II Timothy 1:7, God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. I love the way that the Amplified Bible says it, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” Have no fear!
Until next week . . .
Carolyn
Marriage from A to Z 
Great post . . . I like that “False Evidence Appearing Real.”