afraidy cat.

i have been so blessed to grow up in a christian family.
i have been surrounded by people of faith for my entire life.
& you have no idea how grateful i am for that.
even still. after years of cultivating my faith & relationship with the Lord...
i am still a big ol' afraidy cat.

even though i have participated in about one-hundred bible studies.
with friends. with family. with church peers. 
that have influenced my life & instilled wisdom beyond belief.
i still find myself living in the stronghold of fear.

but this summer i am participating in a beth moore study.
it is unbelievable.
that girl has got it going on.
and she just may be able to help me change my perspective on fear.

we are studying the book of esther.
a book that i had given very little attention to prior.
i am amazed at all the depth & wisdom within those few short chapters.
& this past week was especially convicting for me.
as we spoke about esther's bravery in fulfilling her calling.
for such a time as this.

so many times in life i am paralyzed by fear.
the fear of the unknown. the fear of what may happen. the fear of living in fear.
i can't tell you how many times i have looked at my lovie with tears in my eyes saying
i am so nervous about this. or i am so anxious about that. or what if.

but beth shared something so profound that has changed my outlook of living in fear.

did you know...
 that the command that is proclaimed in the bible with the greatest frequency is
do not be afraid.

do not be afraid. do not be afraid. do not be afraid. 

knowing that in our lives we will face the crippling affect of fear.
to remind ourselves that fear is not faith. 
and that we should not be afraid.
takes away the paralyzing grip that we once chose to cling to.

in those moments of fear. choosing to remind ourselves that the Lord is with us.
& that He will work all things to good. is such a reassuring thought.

allowing us to take a deep breath.
and just trust.
that just as He has been faithful in the past. He will remain faithful.
so that we do not have to live life as little afraidy cats.
but as trusting women of faith.

so, friends. if you are anything like me.
a vulnerable & weak girl. 
who struggles with worry. and fear. and an anxious mind.
{and we all most certainly do}
take heart.
and do not be afraid.

for we serve a great big God.
yet He is small enough to hear us in our fear.

and that, my sweet friends, is deserving of the biggest amen of all.

9 comments:

  1. What a lovely entry with a great message! :)

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    1. thanks, jen. powerful words to remember. xoxo.

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  2. Kristen,
    Did you know "do not be afraid" is in the bible 365 times? One for each day of the year. And These are the first words Blessed John Paul II said the day he became Pope. Lastly, Courage does not mean the absence of fear, Courage is walking through fear.
    So Fear Not my friend! We serve a mighty God.

    Julie

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    1. oh my goodness, julie. that is simply amazing. thank you for sharing. we serve a might God, indeed. xoxo.

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  3. love this post! I kept thinking of it all day yesterday

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    1. aw. i am so thrilled it touched your heart! the Lord is so gracious to give us such great care. xoxo.

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  4. I was introduced to Beth Moore when I lived in Little Rock, AR just before I moved to Florida and we did Book of Esther. It is so hard to not be anxious, I completely understand that! Beth Moore does have it going on:) Great post. You are no fraidy cat Miss Kristen;)

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    1. anne. i kinda want to be bff with beth. she is quite amazing. just like YOU. xoxo.

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  5. I am slowly but surely learning how to make faith-based decisions, not fear-based decisions. God is good :)

    Philippians 4:6-7 is actually the background on my phone... I love this constant reminder:

    Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

    Hope your weekend is going well!


    -J

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