The Four Letter "F" Word

Fear- that’s the Four Letter “F” Word that never escapes us. It’s the word that has plagued me for almost a year now. Over and over how many times have I heard “Get out of the boat, Peter.” It became comical! I’d be at church somewhere or reading something or watching an inspirational video and it’d hit me again- right between the eyes.

Even though we are afraid, isn’t it comforting that God has the confidence in us to call us to whatever it is we fear? When we really stop and let that sink into our minds, not only is that overwhelming, but comforting too. He believes in me this much!

I saw Joyce Meyer advertise her free “Do It Afraid” study recently. After knowing that I am supposed to be acting on a calling from God, I decided that I would participate in this free study. She brought a powerful word to me. I needed it. Fear has been the forefront of our lives over the last 6 months. Coronavirus, losing our jobs, everything being closed, our country, riots, hatred, politics, schools- almost everything has evoked fear into our lives. I am the same as you.

I struggled with my online teaching. I started out strong, but as the months rolled on and the news got worse, my fear increased. It became the elephant in the room. That elephant hasn’t gone away or gotten smaller, but is still in the room. Sometimes I think he’s grown larger because there are so many things pressing in against me.

After signing up and downloading the “Do It Afraid” study, I was hit by fear once again. Now, I know the devil is a liar and he comes to kill and steal. Even knowing these attacks were directed by him, I still felt the fear in my heart. I guess I kinda figured what Joyce was going to say and even though I have tried to obey I knew I would be hearing, “Step out of the boat, Peter!” It would be coming at me again. Down deep I was really hoping that I could find some inspiration for understanding how and when to step out of the boat as I have accepted that I must.

Let me just say, inspiration was found. There were many strong lessons that were directed just for me in that study. That woman knows how to bring the word! The photo for this blog came from the main thing that I took away from the study. Power thoughts! Quick intense thoughts to be remembered as we move throughout our lives. She actually said talk to yourself! Boy was I glad to hear that one! Lately, not only do I talk to myself, but I provide humorous tones of voice just for my own entertainment. Of course, Joyce didn’t mean that kind of talking to yourself, but to talk yourself off the ledge talking to yourself. Empowering thoughts that you say purposefully to yourself that keep the negative thoughts at bay. And right about now, I need that so bad!

We each have our personal battles to fight. God allows us to put on our armor to ready ourselves for battle- no matter what the battle might be! Using this strategy that I already do naturally only helps me face my battles. One of my greatest battles to face is the one that develops in my own mind! And when we stop and think about that, isn’t fear part of that battle?

I know it is for me. So many fears pressing against us daily. We need to talk ourselves off the ledge by reinforcing our thoughts with God’s word. There are so many verses in the Bible that are directed at fear. One that I remember teaching at Bible School when my sons were young is Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Even though I know this, I still allow that Four Letter F word to stop me from my destiny. I allow my mind to become a battlefield of negative thoughts. Joyce has empowered me though. I can now say, “Amy, what are you doing? Stop that thinking. Put on God’s armor and get away from these thoughts.”

By doing this, now I feel like I might be able to understand the when and how when it comes time for me to “Step out of the boat!” I already know the what! And truthfully, is God going to let me face it alone? No way! He is right there with me every step of the way. What greater pecan is there than that?! None. It is the greatest pecan to be called His. And that wraps up this #pecanreport!