One of my greatest weaknesses is fear.
I have struggled with fear my entire life. I am often times paralyzed by my fear, and I limit things that I could do based on the strong presence of fear. I allow it to control me.
Although I struggle with fear, I have grown more confident over the years! This is something I am very proud of! I can see the different ways I have listened and leaned on Christ’s strength to empower me over fears grip.
For those of you who also fight with fear as it cripples your freedom, I hope this quote encourages you:
“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Fear is one of my greatest faults, it is at the root of all my weaknesses, and it is a contender for my life.
Fear cripples my freedom.
I would think by now, being a dedicated Christian for many years, and maturing into adulthood, that I would not allow fear to hinder me… but that is just not the case. I fall into its traps often, immediately feeling as if my heart and my mind are in a tug-of-war.
I know that I am not supposed to fear, having confidence and courage in Christ, yet my fragile heart buys into the lies of fear, causing a ripple effect throughout my life, especially in my marriage.
These fears that I entertain, whether insecurities, sudden death or trauma, not having enough or being good enough, these fears that I entertain cripple the freedom I have in Christ to rejoice, to love even strangers, to be an encourager through confidence, and to live an extraordinary life. Fear keeps me in my comfort zone, although ironically when I fear I never feel comfortable.
Do you ever fear?
I trust God with my whole heart and with my whole life. So why do I still fear? Why do tell God I surrender my fears, worries, and concerns to Him in prayer, only to pick them back up a few hours later?
Thankfully I have a husband who encourages me when I am fearing in the moment. He supports me spiritually by showing me how to surrender to God in faith and trust God with all of me! Just as my husband helps me with my weaknesses, I try my best to help him with his.
Do you have a spouse who encourages you through your times of weakness?
Do you lean on God with your whole heart?
When fear cripples my freedom, I run to God. I am not perfect at letting go, but the more I trust in Him, the less room fear has in my heart to stir. There are parts of my life and character that are still a work in progress, and I humbly admit that fearing is one of them.
What character traits do you have that are a work in progress?
