“Unmasking Life’s Most Pervasive Lie”
Dear writer, I hope you’ve had a focus-increasing, distraction-busting week! This week we’ll continue to overcome distraction as we look at its root—fear. Fear is the source of many or our writing ills. A sense of inferiority and anxiety over looming unknowns can intimidate, making us shrink back from our calling, but here’s the thing. From the day we’re born we begin overcoming fear. And every great man or woman of God has overcome fear of some kind. And here’s the good news. You can, too. Let’s take a look!
Overcoming Fear in History
Dietrich Bonheoffer was a famous pastor and theologian who opposed Hitler’s maniacal rise to power in Nazi Germany. But did you know that, at one point in his pastor career after founding the faithful Confessing Church, he fled to the US for fear of being forced to swear an oath of loyalty to Hitler? He didn’t stay stateside long before he felt God calling him back to Germany. Surrendering to that call, he chose—in the Lord’s strength—to serve fearlessly up to the very point of his death in a concentration camp. His courage became a witness even to those who executed him. And though Bonheoffer was killed, his efforts helped preserve and galvanize the faithful church of Germany during one it its most trying times, and led to many written works that have impacted the Christian faith worldwide ever since.
Overcoming Fear in the Bible
Gideon is another great example of a man who overcame his fear. When the Angel of the Lord called Gideon to free his people from Midianite oppression, Gideon was literally hiding in a wine press. Though he balked, claiming he and his tribe had no influence or strength to lead, he tentatively submitted to the call and—beginning under the cover of night—began to destroy the idols and then the armies of Midian as God gave him strength and strategies. In the end, Gideon killed the Midianite kings and brought 40 years of peace to Israel.
Overcoming Fear in Life
I faced some of my greatest fears when the Lord called me into leadership. My church community had been in search of a new co-president, and the current president insisted that “the one the Lord was speaking to” needed to step up! I knew that “one” was me. But having never led anything before, I was intimidated by the thought of guiding a group of 80 people—half of whom were older than my father! But as I submitted and stepped up (with trembling!), God met me and caused me to blossom. Both the community and I enjoyed a time of vibrancy by God’s design as we all moved into some completely new arenas. Though I ended up moving to a different community, I was shocked years later when friends from that group told me how many people’s lives had been changed during my time of leadership. And mine had, too.
Overcoming Fear in Your Life
Now, here’s the interesting thing, writer. Almost all of our God dreams will bring us fact to face with something bigger than ourselves. Something we feel totally unequipped to handle. But here’s the beautiful thing. All God-sized dreams are impossible to achieve in our own strength. So if you truly have a God-sized dream, facing that inevitable moment of fear simply means you’re on the right track!
Because here’s the other beautiful thing. God designed us to work in partnership with Him…so that we can truly come to know Him for who He is. And so that He will be glorified. Let me show you…
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- John 14:26 – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
Did you catch that, writer? Fear is overcome by love. By relationship. By knowing God and experiencing His love and presence. When we walk in fellowship with Him, we simply will not fear. Why? Because we will begin to comprehend His character and His great protective and proactive love for us. Not only that, we will begin to see who we truly are in Him and the works He’s called us to do. And we’ll realize the most beautiful thing of all…He is committed our success in His Kingdom, as long as we continue to lean on Him and don’t give up!
And leaning on Him is key. Because fear comes from our sense of disconnection from God. Think about it. Fear first entered in the Garden when fellowship with God was broken by sin. The good news is that fellowship has been restored forever. In Christ, we have access to the Father at all times through His blood. We have the ability (and command!) to ask for anything we need in Jesus’ name, with confidence that the need will be met as we seek Him.
When you begin to live in that light, it becomes obvious that every fear is based on…a lie. A lie that you are still in exile. That you have no right or connection to the Father. That you are disqualified. That the cross was invalid in your life.
If the enemy can get you to believe this lie, he will not only rob you but also countless others of the joy and transforming power of the Gospel. Because here’s the final thing. Relationship is not just how we overcome fear. It’s how God’s designed all things to grow. It’s all a result of life on life interaction and exchange. With God. And with men.
Where to Begin with Overcoming Fear
So…are you ready to start overcoming? Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Study the promises and character of God. Look for His promises, names, attributes, and character in every passage you read. As you meditate on who He is, your ability to rest in Him will grow.
- Start a gratitude journal. Begin to note instances of God’s loving involvement and provision in your daily life. Few things will boost your awareness of Hist constant presence like the practice of gratitude!
- Pray. Bring your fears to the Lord and ask for His wisdom and involvement. Record your prayer and date it. Date God’s answers.Watch your faith grow as you begin to recognize and celebrate His answers.
- Find and memorize scriptures that relate to your fear/dream. When fear raises it’s ugly head, imitate Jesus, and answer it with the Word!
I encourage you today, writer—if you feel afraid or inferior—begin to look at the God who called you. Begin to get to know Him. Spend time with Him in the Word. In prayer. In nature. In play. Realize He is the faithful God–near at hand–who will never leave you nor forsake you. As you do, you will be amazed how fear begins to melt and strength begins to arise as you abide in His ever present love. Then, in that strength, pick up your pen and start to write.
#Love #GodIsLove #Overcome #EveryWriterWriting
