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Tag Archives: Reject Fear

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

10 / 15 / 1810 / 15 / 18

Fear can be overwhelming - but by God's grace, there are things you and I can do to have a strong faith that will reject fear! #Faith #Bible #Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #Strength

I was about five years old when my parents convinced me to ride a Ferris Wheel. As the car inched upward … I stopped breathing as the grip of fear overwhelmed me! My dad frantically waved at the ride operator, screaming at him to stop the giant rotating hoop and let us off after only one memorable rotation.

Amusement park rides and heights were just a couple of my many childhood fears.

As an adult, I realized that heights, bugs, and the dark were not as life-threatening as I’d once believed. But unfortunately, I just replaced those childhood fears with grown-up terrors.

Eventually, my doctor diagnosed me with high-anxiety agitation/depression. And although medication and counseling helped me function better day-to-day, they didn’t change what was going on in my head or my heart.

I still had a list of things that terrified me and eventually, some of those things happened.

I had a choice to make…

I could either pull the covers over my head and hide or turn to God for help.

Since staying in bed for the rest of my life wasn’t really an option, I cried out to God in prayer and grabbed my Bible hoping it would show me how to have a strong faith in His promises.

And through His grace, God gave me just enough strength to do life one moment at a time. He didn’t magically or suddenly make me fearless rather He gave me the faith I needed to live that day.

And that’s all we need, isn’t it?

A strong faith that will reject fear today!

If you or someone you love struggles with fear, I have a list of things that help me reject my fear with faith – one day at a time…

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

Fear can be overwhelming - but by God's grace, there are things you and I can do to have a strong faith that will reject fear! #Faith #Bible #Blessings #CountingMyBlessings #Strength

 It took me too long to accept that my fear was caused by a lack of faith.

Deep down I think I knew it, but I was a pastor’s wife raising preacher’s kids, I’d read the “do not be afraid” and “be strong and courageous” verses and I was ashamed to admit that I was afraid because my faith was weak.

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Matthew 8:26

Jesus calmed the storm. He healed the sick and raised the dead.

Through His death and resurrection, He gave us eternal life and through His life, He taught us how to LIVE.

So, let’s begin…

♥ Ask God for Greater Faith

Jesus said, “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23–24

Jesus next words didn’t rebuke the father … He rebuked the evil that had a hold on the man’s son and on a watching crowd.

God is greater than our greatest fear and greater than any evil this world has to offer.

♥ Assess Your Fear

“Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.”

So, it’s important to assess if our fear is true or just a “what if”. Next, it’s important to decide if this is something we can control or change and assess how it’s affecting the way we live. 

Then we must remember…

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18 (NCV)

Fear that debilitates is not from God, it is from the enemy!

And Jesus has defeated Satan! God is greater than any fear the enemy is using to torment us.

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear by Deb Wolf @ #CountingMyBlessings #Faith #Bible #Prayer #Hope #Blessings

♥ Pray Continually

Prayer is not a one and done experience, especially when it comes to fear. I’m learning that when I take fear to God as soon as it hits me … it takes my focus off my fear and places it squarely on Jesus.

In John 14, Jesus said…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” v. 1
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” v. 6

And…

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! v. 13–14

God wants you and me to be strong and courageous! We can ask Him to give us a strong faith that will reject fear trusting that He will.

♥ Find a Faith Mentor 

Talk to a counselor. Ask a wise friend to tell you about a time God helped them through a time of fear. Join a small group Bible Study. Spend time with people who encourage you to grow in faith.

“Mentoring is: Sharing Life’s Experiences and God’s Faithfulness”  ~ Janet Thompson

♥ Keep Scripture Close

Carry note cards with quotes and verses that help you focus on God … not your fear.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13–14

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

♥ Don’t Borrow Fear from Others

If the news and your friend’s posts on Facebook bring your fear to the surface. Take a break. Turn off the television and budget your time social media. Focus on doing things you enjoy and turn your frightened thoughts into prayers.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

♥ Be Your Own Best Cheerleader

Take charge of your thoughts.

Remind yourself that you are loved, you are precious, you are here at this time and place for God’s plans and purposes. You can trust Him.

Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

♥ Be Someone Else’s Cheerleader 

Build up and encourage the people around you.

Tell someone about the way God helped you in the past … you will encourage them and you’ll be strengthened and encouraged too!

“Sometimes God redeems your story by surrounding you with people who need to hear your past, so it doesn’t become their future.” ~John Acuff

♥ Give Up the Need to be Perfect

You’re human. You’re not perfect.

Ask for forgiveness when you fail and stop being afraid of failing or disappointing others. Fear keeps us from being the people God wants us to be. He created us to flourish … to thrive. He wants us to LIVE with joy for His glory!

Living in the freedom of Christ defeats fear!

In Christ, we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12 (NCV)

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear by Deb Wolf @ #CountingMyBlessings #Faith #Bible #Prayer #Hope #Blessings

♥ Keep Your Focus on Today

Why do our “what if” thoughts rarely have happy endings?

Worry and fear are close cousins. How I wish I could have a do-over on the countless hours I spent worrying about “what-ifs” that never happened. And the things that did, well, all my worry and fear prevent a thing.

When I live my today without fear of the future, I’m fully engaged and able to see and enjoy the big and small blessings God is continuously giving me.

“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.” ~ John Newton

♥ Don’t Give Up the Fight

I’d love to tell you that I don’t worry anymore … that I’m never frightened. But really, you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.

What I can tell you, is that by God’s grace, I am able to remember all that God has gotten me through in the past, accept my fear for the lie it is, and with God’s help step out in faith and take on the day.

When I forget or fail – I trust that I can take it to God. Ask for forgiveness. And try again tomorrow.

 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

I’ve learned through experience that courage and strength are rarely if ever infused into my life.

The only way have a strong faith that will reject fear is focus on all that God has done for me in the past, take my current circumstances to Him in prayer, and ask Him to give me the courage I need to get out of bed and LIVE!

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When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

9 / 27 / 187 / 29 / 20

I was afraid and I hated it! I needed help. By grace, I learned to pray! Here are the 5 verses I pray when I need to reject fear. #Fear #CountingMyBlessings #Prayer

I was afraid and I hated it!

I knew I had a need to reject fear but felt helpless to change…

We went years without traveling far because I was too afraid to get on an airplane. Praise God, I just returned from spending last weekend in Denver with beautiful friends.

I failed to set much-needed boundaries because I was terrified of rejection. Unfortunately, my lack of boundaries didn’t prevent painful rejection.

I missed so many opportunities for joy while worrying about “what ifs” that never happened. Countless moments I can’t get back.

Maybe you struggle with fear, too. The enemy has found your weakness and consistently fills your head with all the terrifying things that could happen to turn your life upside down and you listen…

Well, at least I listened.

Even with all the “do not fear” and “be strong and courageous” verses in Scripture … I still listened to the lies that filled me with fear and kept me from living the life of freedom God wanted for me.

Praise God! I’m getting better. I not only know I need to reject fear, but I’m also giving it to God before I’m robbed of precious time and suffer wasted opportunities.

So today, I’m asking God to help me reject fear once again. I’d love for you to join me…

When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

I was afraid and I hated it! I needed help. By grace, I learned to pray! Here are the 5 verses I pray when I need to reject fear. #Fear #CountingMyBlessings #Prayer

Zephaniah 3:17

For the Lord, your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With His love, He will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Oh Father, when I remember who You are my fear begins to fade. You are with me. You are my mighty Savior. Help me when I start to doubt that You delight in me, when I listen to lies and focus on myself instead of on You. Help me trust that You are able to calm my fear and give me the courage and strength I need for anything You allow.

Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief. I want to live in the freedom that comes from knowing you rejoice over your repentant forgiven child. You rejoice over me. Wow! My Father is with me, saves me, delights in me, rejoices over me, and loves me. Nothing in this world can change that! Thank you. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Oh, Father, Your Word says You want Your children to be strong and courageous and You are willing to give us what we need. When I am afraid, please make me strong. When I am timid, make me courageous. Father, please give me Your power, cover me with Your love, and when I lose my focus … give me self-discipline.

Father, it’s so easy for me to focus on what-ifs and problems and the truth is, whatever I focus on becomes great in my mind controls my emotions. Please forgive me. Help me “seek You first” trusting that You will give me everything I need. Amen.

Isaiah 43:1b–3a

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
 When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
 For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Father, You are greater than my greatest fears. You are greater than my circumstances. You have called me by name and by Your grace, I am Your child. You are always with me and in your presence, nothing can defeat me. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my God. With You, I have nothing to fear! Thank you! Amen.

When You Need to Reject Fear - PRAY! by Deb Wolf @ Counting My Blessings

Romans 8:38–39

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us
from God’s love. Neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today
nor our worries about tomorrow—not even
the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That is all I need to remember, Father. NOTHING can separate me from Your love. You love Your children so much, You gave us Jesus to suffer our punishment. By Your Holy Spirit’s presence, we are never alone. Even with all my weaknesses and failures, You continue to love me. I am overwhelmed, humbled, and so very thankful. I love You, Father. Amen.

Philippians 4:8–9

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy
of praise.
 Keep putting into practice all you learned
and received from me—everything you heard from me
and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Father, please help me focus my heart and mind on You. Please help me remember Your goodness. Help me remember all the ways You have protected me in the past.

I remember the night I cried out to you in pain and heard You gently whisper, “Even in this … you have no idea how I have protected you.” I see such a small portion of who You are and what You do. With Your help, I will trust You through it all. You have given me all I need. I have You. I have Jesus. I have Your Spirit.

I will keep my eyes on You and trust that You are able to meet my needs and give me peace. All my thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

When You Need to Reject Fear - PRAY! by Deb Wolf @ Counting My Blessings

Before you go, I want to tell you something important…

This is a daily battle. I’m so much better than I used to be but fear is my weakness and the enemy knows it.

So, when my neck hair stands on end and my stomach starts to churn with all too familiar feelings of worry and doubt and I need to reject fear, I … Stop! Pray! Take it to God immediately.

I remember that God will help. He promised…

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Reject Fear and Embrace Your Life

9 / 24 / 183 / 15 / 19
If you want to embrace your life with joy and enthusiasm and boldly live it like the gift it is! These 10 tips will help you reject fear and LIVE! #Faith #OvercomingFear #LiveLIfe #CountingMyBlessings

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …” ~Marcus Aurelius

I want to LIVE until I die! 

I want to embrace today with joy and enthusiasm and boldly live it like the gift it is!

I think most of us want to live boldly, but for too many of us … there is a powerful force that gets in our way.

FEAR!

  • Fear of failure.
  • Fear of rejection.
  • Fear of judgment.
  • Fear of embarrassment.
  • Fear of loss.
  • Fear of change.
  • Fear of ____________.

How do I know? Because I spent too much of my life allowing the power of fear to keep me from living the kind of life I believed and even said I wanted.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe fear is keeping you from trying something new or telling someone you love them.

Although it’s true that frightening things happen every day, the greater truth is that most of the things you and I are afraid of … never happen. And when we focus on what if and could be instead of on the God, we deny ourselves the bold strength and courage He want to give us.

God’s Word says when you and I focus on God and on His faithful presence we have nothing to fear.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid,” John 14:27

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

Maybe you’ve heard the question, “What would you do today if you knew you could not fail?”

But I want to ask it another way…

What would you do today if you really believed there is nothing to fear?

Would you:

  • go back to school?
  • ask for forgiveness?
  • call an old friend?
  • start a blog?
  • profess your faith?
  • try a hobby?
  • become a foster parent or adopt a child?
  • _________________?

I believe there are some things you and I can do today that will help us reject the fear that holds us back and find the freedom to live with joy and enthusiasm the plans and purposes God has planned for us.

If you want to embrace your life with joy and enthusiasm and boldly live it like the gift it is! These 10 tips will help you reject fear and LIVE! #Faith #OvercomingFear #LiveLIfe #CountingMyBlessings

How to Reject Fear and Embrace Your Life

♥ Identify Your Goals, Hopes, and Dreams

Make a list of the things you’ve always wanted to do but for whatever reason, you’ve shelved or given up. Write down everything and anything … no dream is too big and none too small.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

♥ Identify Your Fears 

Make a list of the things that frighten you. Be honest! Fear loses much of its power when you face it head-on.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

“Every battle you have to fight, is an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed. The greater the obstacles, the greater the victory.” ~Lailah Gifty-Akita

♥ Ask – “Is this fear protecting me or limiting me?”

Some fear is wise … e.g. It’s wise to be afraid to jump off the roof of a building or to do something that would land you in jail!

But most fear is just limiting … e.g. Being afraid of rejection or failure or embarrassment.

Only one fear is essential to living a bold life…

Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:23

♥ Write a Mission Statement 

Knowing my “mission” has helped me know what I believe and what’s most important to me. God says He has plans and purposes for us … writing a mission statement can help us know them and live them intentionally.

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28

“You have a purpose in life. You know in your heart what’s most important to you. In fact, your mission and values are expressed every day, by how you live–you just may not realize it.” ~Stephen Covey

♥ Live in the Present

Refuse to dwell on the past … you’ve asked for forgiveness and you can’t change it; so, embrace grace and embrace your life! And don’t worry about the future – God’s already there preparing the way for you.

The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. Isaiah 43:18–19a (NCV)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

♥ Surround Yourself with Wise Loving People

Talk about your hopes and dreams, and admit your fears … ask them for advice. I have been blessed by so many wise mentors who gently shared the ways God helped them reject fear and embrace life.

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

♥ Pray for Wisdom, Strength, and Courage

I love the fact that God invited us to take everything … every concern, fear, worry, hope, dream, and desire to Him in prayer.

There’s a quote that says, “Prayer changes things!”

I know … “Prayer changes me!”

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. James 1:5

♥ Refuse to Quit

Don’t give up! Refuse to lose hope! God knows you. He holds you in the palm of His hand. He knows your eternal future. In God’s presence, you and I have nothing to fear!

 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

♥ Give Gratitude Generously

Thank God for every blessing … big and small! Thank people profusely!

Being thankful takes our thoughts off what’s lacking and places them squarely on what we have. God will give you and me absolutely everything we need to accomplish His will in our lives … that’s a much better place to focus!

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

If you want to embrace your life with joy and enthusiasm and boldly live it like the gift it is! These 10 tips will help you reject fear and LIVE! #Faith #OvercomingFear #LiveLIfe #CountingMyBlessings
♥ Live, Laugh, and Love! 

“Live every moment, laugh every day, love beyond words.”

Find reasons to celebrate! Big or small! Every victory you make over the fear that holding you back is a step toward embracing the life you’ve always wanted … toward the life the Lord wants for you.

I want to embrace life now.

Why? Because I’ve known people who have and those who haven’t. I’ve watched whole families start grieving the death of a loved one the day cancer was diagnosed; and others who have lived with love, hope, and joy to their last breath.

I want to LIVE until I die!

I want to live with love, hope, and joy up to my last breath.

Friend, today is a great day to embrace your life and LIVE.

Thomas Merton wrote : “If a man is to live, he must be all alive, body, soul, mind, heart, spirit.”

That sounds a lot like faith-filled living to me – loving the Lord heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And I can’t think of a better way to embrace your life! I can’t think of a better way to LIVE!

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Hi! I'm so glad you're here! I'm Deb Wolf, a recovering “good little church girl” who has been transformed by grace into a joy-filled blessing counter crazy in love with Jesus. I can't wait to tell you about it...

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