Overcoming Fear - Digging Up the Root

Satan's number one tactic to shake and destroy our faith is fear.

He uses our circumstances, our worries, and our internal insecurities to create fear.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and his disciples were in a boat traveling toward the other side of the sea. Jesus was sleeping when a terrible storm came upon them. The wind was splashing waves over the boat and the disciples were terrified that they were all about to die. They ran to wake him and said, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?"

This is the part of the story where Jesus, in all his peace and glory, said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!"

Immediately, His power and authority put an end to the storm and it was safe sailing from then on out. But, Jesus was not focused on highlighting that part of the story.

Take a look at what Jesus was most concerned about -

He was most interested in his disciple's faith.

Jesus asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40

The shield of faith is the key that unlocks an abundant life with Jesus Christ.

"In every situation, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Ephesians 6:16

I discovered a solution to the problem. It's a little experiment I call, "Digging up the Root of Fear."

The steps to overcoming fear go something like this:

1. Take notice when you begin to worry... when it becomes a fear... and then morphs into panic.

2. Dig deep and discover the root of that fear. Discover what it is that you are actually fearing.

3. Write down what God says in regard to the topic.

This is where you will realize how your fear contradicts what God says and Who he is.

I did this experiment this morning. It was so powerful that I am going to share my findings with you.

Example: I am awoken at 4 AM panicking. Sweating, chest tight, fearful. I am fearing failure as a mom. I am never enough and will never be the mom I want to be. Therefore, I am keeping my kids away from a relationship with Jesus.

Is that what God says about me and my children in his Word?

Heck no!

God says these things in his Word:

• "My power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

• "You are clothed with dignity and strength and will laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25

• "I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:3

• "Your sons will flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants and your daughters will be like graceful pillars carved to adorn a palace." Psalm 144:12

• "No one can snatch you from my hand." John 10:28

• "I love you." John 16:27

• "Beautiful you are, my darling." Song of Solomon 4:7

We all fear. Fear is a product of our broken world. I encourage you to rise up, flex your muscles of faith, and stand firm, having put on the full armor of God.

You can and you do have the winning hand. "For it is by grace you are saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8.

I would love to know how this experiment has helped you. Please share below!

Praying faith over you,

Laura