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When I was in my early teens, I lived a pretty sheltered life. I had the mentality that nothing bad would ever happen to me. Then, one day I found myself right in the middle of a really bad situation. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time resulted in a pistol being put to my head. A robbery that was sudden and unexpected, yet terrifying for this naive teenage girl.
"Don't move or I'll shoot!" The words of my abductor rattled me to my very core. As I stood there shaking uncontrollably, I could feel the pistol resting against my temple. The hard steel surface of the gun's tip pressed forcefully into my head. As my heart pounded rapidly a repeated thought kept running through my mind, "I'm going to die - my life is over."
Fortunately, that day was not my last and by the grace of God, I'm alive today to share my story. Although I had no physical wounds from that horrible experience, the emotional and mental scars were carved deep into my heart, penetrating to the center of my shaken soul. It bubbled up to the surface in the form of extreme fear that haunted me for a very, very long time.
Replaying the horrible scenario in my mind would keep me up many nights and when I was awake, I would be afraid to go anywhere alone. Or, be left alone.
What if I ran into this person again? What if he recognized me? What if he had followed me home that horrible day and knows where I live? What if he came looking for me?
I didn't feel safe...anywhere.
I was afraid....most of the time.
I worried.... and the "what ifs" haunted me.
Looking back, I realize fear ruled my life and dictated my decisions. My biggest regret is not having God's Word hidden in my heart. If I would have taken the time to memorize Scripture during that season of distress, my fearful thoughts could have been replaced with God's promises of protection.
When the "what-if" worries came, I could have traded those thoughts in for God's truth. For it is the truth of Jesus that sets us free.
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
Jesus answered, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life...John 14:6
On those nights when I was lying awake in bed, I could have been reminded of this promise:
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. Proverbs 3:24 (HCSB)
When I worried about my intruder coming back for me, I should have remembered this promise:
Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them (him). For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)When I worried about my intruder coming back for me, I should have remembered this promise:
When I was alone and scared, I would have focused on this verse to calm my heart:
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
Have you experienced something tragic in your past that has left you fearful? Maybe a situation in your present circumstances is haunting you with "what-if" lies and worries? Do you lay awake at night gripped with fear and anxiety?
If so, I understand and I have the answer that can get you past your fears and propel you into unshakable faith! Do you want freedom from your fears? I do.
Real and sustainable freedom is only found in Jesus and His powerful Word.
If you don't have God's Word hidden in your heart, you can start fresh today by memorizing a couple Scriptures verses. Feel free to use the ones I've posted above. Speak them out loud and let them mend your heart and soul. Fear comes from the enemy and he can't stand to hear the Words of Jesus. So, speak them loud and clear - it will send him running every single time.
Question: What is your greatest fear? Are you still struggling with it or have you overcome it?
Goodbye Fear Giveaway
To help you along your journey, I'm giving away a copy of Micca Campbell's book, "An Untroubled Heart - Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears".
To be eligible for the drawing here's what you need to do:
1. Share your comments to the Focus Questions above on my blog.
2. Share today's post with your friends on Facebook or Twitter. (see buttons below)
**Please include your name with your comment. I'll need it in case you're the winner.
I'm heading to the Living Proof Conference this weekend but will post the winner on Monday. So, be sure to stop by on Monday or check here:
Leah's Facebook Page
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Your message on fear is something that I'll be sharing with my daughter along with several verses. In May, she's getting married and moving to NC where her(soon-to-be) husband is stationed.
ReplyDeleteShe tells me that she has cried many nights in her room, because the thought of being alone brings on fear, when he is out doing what the Army calls him to do. She has always been a homebody and has never stayed alone for more then a few hours.
Tammy,
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on the blog. I will be praying for your sweet daughter, asking the Lord to surround her with His all powerful protective hand as He shiels her all the days of her life.
That she will sense His presence and nearness like never before, as she prepares for the big move to North Carolina and the soon-to-be wedding day.
Below is a special Scripture verse for her. I pray that she will rest in knowing that the Lord sings over her. Beautiful.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
What is your greatest fear? I use to have many fears, fear of being alone, not being loved, being hurt... Are you still struggling with it or have you overcome it? My faith grew and with that, my relationship with God grew, and with that I have learned to fear not for I have God.
ReplyDeleteI'm celebrating with you, friend! You too have experienced the freedom from fear that comes through knowing God's Word and growing in your relationship with Him.
DeleteThank you for sharing your testimony as I know it will bring hope to so many others.
Sweet Blessings,
Leah
Greatest fear--raising children who know and love the Lord. At times, I still struggle with this fear, but they come at fewer times than they used too. I am a Pastor's Wife and don't want any of my 7 children to think we do this because dad is a Pastor. A couple of my kids are not walking with the Lord right now, BUT I've learned that we have done our best and their relationship with God is theirs, not mine. Good thing HE is in charge and not me AND that I finally get that fact (most of the time).
ReplyDeleteRaising children is one of the hardest things I've ever done. My husband and I have 2 boys. I can't imagine having 7 children. You are a mighty mom in Christ!
DeleteRest in knowing that you have prepared the spiritual soil and planted the seeds very well. The Holy Spirit will continue to water, feed, and mature each one of your children in His perfect timing and according to His glory.
Continued prayers,
Leah
What a powerful story! You are such an amazing woman of God and I am so blessed to know you. Reading this message on fear and God's ultimate power to allow us overcome it came at the perfect time. Thank you so much for posting this.
ReplyDeleteEmily, you are such a precious treasure to me!
DeleteI think if we could fully understand just how much God truly loves us and the great power that is activated in His Word, the only fear we would experience is the reverent fear that His so justly deserves.
I pray for you every single day but if you have a specific request, don't hesitate to call/text and let me know.
Love you much,
Leah
I had NEVER heard that story before! and......2.)Thank you for posting those scriptures. Olivi has been having problems with fear at night and I needed these references so that we can start quoting these at night before bed. and .....3.)I miss you!
ReplyDeleteHolly S.
Loved Micca's book. It helped me deal with anxiety with my teen/adult kids.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don't
ReplyDeleteknow who you are but definitely you're going to a famous blogger if you aren't already ;) Cheers!
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