Welcome back to “Friday Feature!” Grab a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy today’s devotion! If you missed last week’s devotion, you can read it here!
Brianna Willingham, my sweet sister-in-law and friend, brings us today’s devotion titled, “Living Fearless.” Married to my little brother, and mom to my adorable niece, Brianna also loves to cook, garden, thrift, decorate, and create! Give Brianna a follow for some amazing recipes, and to join her family’s newest adventure of homesteading! @bloomingrosesfarmhouse
Living Fearless
I will never forget the moment I found out I was having a baby a little over two years ago. Of course, I was SO thrilled! With my excitement, also came a great amount of FEAR. I have been through moments of fear throughout my life, but for some reason, this was different. I instantly felt this weight of responsibility to carry this precious life inside of me. I struggled with all the “what-ifs” that could go wrong. (Maybe you can relate?) I was gripped with this feeling that I was completely out of control. Although I knew who was in control, I struggled to truly let go and trust God.
I remember my husband encouraging me during this time. He reminded me that pregnancy is God’s way of preparing us for a lifetime of trusting Him with our children (or loved ones). We may not be able to hold them at times, but God does. We may not be able to see them at times, but God does. The ongoing struggle of fear, when I was pregnant, unfortunately lead to post-partum depression after having my baby. I knew I needed a touch from the Lord to be delivered. Maybe you have gone through something similar or are there now. How do we overcome this gripping fear?
Here are a few examples of what God’s word says about fear:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
During these difficult days, I clung to God’s promises over my life. I would go driving down the road by myself, pray to God, and would just surrender in worship to Him. It was through those drives and prayers that God freed me from my depression and FEAR! (Thank You Jesus!) There is something so powerful about coming before Jesus, unmasked with our flaws, and allowing Him to heal our heart. He delights in bringing us up when we are down. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor 12:9
We are not enough, but JESUS is! We can rest in His arms to carry us through the storms of life. Satan wants to grip us with fear and hopelessness, as if there is no way out. I encourage you to get alone with God. Give Him your honesty, your troubles, and your heart. He will replace your brokenness with peace. He will turn your fears into faith. Your mourning will be turned into joy! I am a walking testimony that YOU will get through whatever it is you are facing. Even at the very worst of circumstances, we still have hope because of JESUS. When we are walking with Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live fearless and free.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for who You are! You are the restorer and lifter of our heads. Help us to remember that You have NOT placed in us a spirit of fear. Thank You for Your peace that guards our hearts and minds. We love You and give it all to You! In Jesus name, Amen!