News Archive
Facing fears
I was fearful of all of the people around me at that time (except for my husband and daughter). I felt unable to share with even my close friends or family because I knew my perspective was not normal and they would not handle that. Day to day there was only God I could turn to. However there was one wise, Godly women who listened non-judgmentally and lovingly to me, who helped me find my way and another understanding pastor, both graciously prayed with me.I could no longer cope. I eventually left my job, moved churches, lost contact with non Christian friends and retreated into my home. I crossed the line from being someone strong to being someone who was weak. God stripped me bare.
At Heaton Baptist Church I felt safe because it was similar to the church I’d grown up in; but most importantly God’s Spirit was there. Having a safe spiritual home was essential for me in even beginning to overcome fear in my life. I was now left with niggling fears that affected my relationships and wellbeing, and stopped me being who God had created me to be.
Becoming more in touch with my thinking was essential in learning to control my thoughts. Actively doing the study by Selwyn Hughes “Getting the Best from the Bible” taught me to fill my mind with the powerful, healing words of God and to let them go deep into my spirit. There was a significant switch in my thinking when I believed that God worked in all things for good for those who love him, therefore not even my worst fears, if they were true, had power because God was sovereign, God could be trusted, God was victorious.
Trusting and believing that God would watch over my children in the World rather than living striving to protect them has set me free from some fear in that area.
Many little steps increase my confidence and move me away from fear and into service again and completeness. Confidence grows as I've found courage to face situations or people who I've felt fearful of and having positive experiences challenges the truth of my fears. I have put up much resistance but eventually I've found being obedient to God and surrender has moved me on into greater wholeness. God's love has always been my motivation and knowing his love has enabled me to take the risk again. “Perfect love casts out fear” 1 John 4:18 . Overcoming fear does not come from focusing on the fear it comes from focusing on Jesus Christ who conquered death itself and loves us with an everlasting love.