Don't Let Fear Cripple You

Edited with permission, CC.

    Currently I have struggled with a crippling amount of fear. My husband and I have to make a life-changing decision that requires us to take many leaps of faith. I was up several hours last night worrying about it. I woke up worrying about it. I went to our play date worrying about it. 
    So I came home, put Toddler P. down for her nap, and sat in my quiet place with my bible and my book to try to get some peace and direction. The book I'm reading right now with my small group is called Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. If you haven't read it yet, you need to! It is so empowering! Shirer shows you how to pray through all things and the importance of doing so. Every time I open this book, there is some part of the chapter that speaks to me and helps me through whatever current struggle I may be going through. 
    Today was no different. As I sat there praying, I started to open my book to read and then I read the following: 
    "If I were your enemy, I'd magnify your fears making them appear insurmountable, intimidating you with enough worries until avoiding them becomes your driving motivation. I would use anxiety to cripple you, to paralyze you leaving you indecisive, clinging to safety and sameness, always on the defensive because of what might happen. When you hear the word faith, all I'd want you to hear is unnecessary risk" (Shirer, 105).   
    This was exactly the strategy the enemy was currently using against me. I felt paralyzed with fear and so indecisive. The decision before us seemed so obvious and clear, but my fears were holding me captive. They were keeping me from moving forward because I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone. 
     But God wants to bless us, he wants to take us higher and beyond what we can think. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and NOT to harm you. Plans for hope and of a future." God has bigger plans for you than you have for yourself! God is bigger than all of this. Whatever comes, He said that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). 
     Remember Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us." God is capable and willing to do more than we could even think to ask for. What a thought! So when the devil comes along whispering his lies of fear and intimidation... remember that God has bigger plans for you than you have for yourself. 

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