Get caught up on the series here:
January: Hurts, Hope and Healing by Jennifer Watson
February: For the One Who Doubts God’s Sovereignty by Abby McDonald
Her greatest desire is to come alongside others who are struggling, so they may see God has been holding their hand the whole time.
When Kelly isn’t writing on her blog, Purposeful Faith, Crosswalk.com, Internet Cafe Devotions, tweeting or posting on Facebook, you will find her devouring yummy food with her husband, laughing with her toddlers or searching for her next travel destination.
So often, and I hate to say this, I stand face-to-face with irrational fears.
It doesn’t really matter what the fear is.
It could be my kids getting sick from the coughing kid sitting next to us. My house burning down when I am away. My toilet overflowing from a toddler mishap. My car spinning out in the snow. My house being robbed while we are away. My kids getting hurt.
Fear arrives on a moment’s notice, but stays for what seems like eternity.
In fact, it always overstays its welcome.
No one wants to invite a tyrant over, so I am not even sure why I welcome this iron-fisted ruler into my heart in the first place. But, I do and I often bow down to it. I cower under the pressure.
Like a balloon, this fear tyrant fills my heart with an air of anxiety; I feel like I may pop at any moment.
Normally, it takes just the tiniest prick to set me off:
- The prick of an argument. POP!
- The prick of getting lost. POP!
- The prick of an annoyance. POP!
Or, at least this has been the case in my life.
In the past, I would pop on the inside, only to explode with irritation, frustration and irrational fear on the outside.
Nowadays, I stand guard. As you can see, there is too much at risk – and frankly, I am tired of being over-tired, over-stressed and over-worried.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
Today, I arm up in truth as I repeat God’s word back to myself.
I arm up with prayer for whatever my worry is.
I arm up with the power of Christ’s never ending grace – for myself and the situation.
I arm up with the knowledge that Christ is always with me, no matter what comes against.
I arm up righteous thoughts so a hypothesis does not turn into a neurosis.
I arm up with faith that God knows better than me – and that his plans are for good.
I arm up with the gospel that always secures me in the love of Jesus.
I arm up with readiness that keeps an eye out for the mean tyrant’s arrival.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Let’s stop submitting to mean tyrants. Because we can’t be submitting to both. We are either submitting to God or we are submitting to the devil and when Jesus is on our side, he always has a better option for us. He always has a way of escape.
Jesus could have feared the worst when he went on the cross, but he knew who was boss. He knew who was fighting for him. He knew who ruled and he knew the best way of escape was pure submission to the will of his Father.
Look how Jesus has blessed us today through his surrender.
You see, dear friends, what God has shown me is one of the greatest joys of my life. It flips the fear tyrant right over on his head. This is: Nothing we do – or that comes against – can ever separate us from the love of Christ Jesus.
In this, what do we really have to fear?
We are entirely loved, entirely adored, entirely provided for and entirely taken care of.
Jesus breaks down all fears so we may see them for what they are – unreasonable and unlikely doomsday scenarios.
But, the choice still remains ours:
- Will we walk by faith? Or, will we walk with fear?
- Will we arm up? Or, will we back down?
- Will we resist and submit? Or will we cower to the fist?
I don’t know about you but I am ready to stand up and fight. Will you join me? Will you put up your guard and lift your shield – only to lay down in complete submission to your Savior?
He will protect you.
Standing Strong in Him,
Kelly
P.S. Linking up today with Meredith for Woman 2 Woman, Jennifer for #TellHisStory, Holley for Coffee for Your Heart
and Kristin for Three Word Wednesday. Come join us as we grow in grace together.
Wonderful post. This here is so true > “Fear arrives on a moment’s notice, but stays for what seems like eternity. In fact, it always overstays its welcome.” May we become more intentional in showing fear to the curb. Blessings to you both today!
Kicking fear to the curb- love that Joanne!:)
I completely agree with you Joanne and Katie. Let’s rise up and kick that fear out before it gets a stronghold in our lives.
It’s amazing when I start making my way through #ThreeWordWednesday posts and God weaves together a theme. This morning? How his perfect love casts out fear. It’s the message that prompted my own Dwell on God post and the one that’s being echoed with so much encouragement today in other’s words. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing these words, and Katie, for hosting and linking up.
I love how God presents themes too. It is almost as if he wants to send a key message for a key time. Let’s dwell on the Lord in all his goodness today and tomorrow.
Oh, sweet Kelly! I can SO relate to you right now, Sister!!! This. I get this! You are speaking such truth. We cannot submit to both: the schemes of the enemy and the peace of God at the same time. Word! I choose God, and I must keep choosing His perfect peace again and again. Hugs to you! Your honesty is refreshing today and always! Katie Reid is a brilliant blogger and also knows how to pick wise guest bloggers! You two are a power team! Hugs to you both!! ❤️
I happen to completely agree with you Courtney. Katie is a fabulous blogger and it is both a joy and an honor to be on her blog today. Her love extends in powerful ways. Hugs right back at you Courtney; I am glad that this message spoke to you. Let’s reside in His “Perfect” peace.
Joining with you, Kelly. I love the thought that Jesus “knew who ruled and he knew the best way of escape was pure submission to the will of his Father.” Longing in my heart to follow in His footsteps and surrender all to God. Thank you for your faith cheering, both to you and to Katie!
What gracious and powerful authority we have in Christ to overcome our fears with His truth. Thanks for this important reminder! Glad to visiting from Holley’s place.
Hi Kelly, I always enjoy reading your articles. Thank you for sharing it with Katie and ‘us’ her readers today.
I am ready to complete submit to His Will.
Loads of blessings
Greetings in Jesus’ Name:
Thank you so much for sharing these truths. Wow! As I read it, I was putting my hands up in the air and thanking God for His provision when we fear. I would like to add two thoughts. One is when we speak of the devil and his wiles. We must remember the enemy is three-fold – the world, the flesh and the devil. All three of these try to attack, and God has given us a way of escape.Let’s not attribute everything to the devil; we must take responsibility for our flesh and guard against the lures of the world. Secondly, “…nothing that. . . comes against . . . ” reminds me that we have Holy Spirit who comes along aside us against. . . Praise God! God continue to bless you all richly! Because of Jesus, Cindy
Boy was this right on time when fear has just hit…..I am armed to fight it now and overcome it…thank you so much for this timely post…this whole series has ministered to me DEEPLY and I am so very grateful.