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A Morning View By the Wood Stove

I know fear is not from God. I do need to live with a healthy fear and respect for God but not live a life of fear, there is a difference. 

I understand. But.......

I have lived my whole life waiting and watching for failure to happen because in my thinking it eventually always does. I have nurtured the fear of failure as well as other fears and I have allowed them to become ingrained into my life. It is manifested in thoughts of not being good enough. Memories of not finishing what was started or achieving goals run in my head. Thoughts of avoiding things because "I will mess it up anyway." It was/is always my fault and I must be prepared to pick up after I am shattered once again. Honestly, this thinking becomes believing as well as a self fulfilling prophesy. 

I understand. But.......

Let's be honest, in our world fear can take over our hearts, minds and souls. Many well intentioned people correctly share ways to overcome fear. There are many cliches used to encourage and scriptures to share to help, but if we are not careful, cliches and scriptures can mask root problems only fixing symptoms causing us to live with and be comfortable with the root issues in our lives. 

God did not create us to live in pain. God does not desire us to live unfulfilled lives. God does not intend for us to live in fear. God created us to live in perfect relationship with God.

So, I share a scripture I found this morning not to mask the symptoms to avoid the pain of healing, but a scripture to help me and hopefully you focus on inviting God into whatever our struggle is. I also took privilege to modify it to be personal for me. You can insert your name to personalize it for you! Note the *

8“But as for you, Israel my servant,

    Jacob my chosen one,

    descended from Abraham my friend,

* 8 (But as for you Bill, my servant, my chosen one, my friend,)

I have called you back from the ends of the earth,

    saying, ‘You are my servant.’

For I have chosen you

    and will not throw you away.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” - Isaiah 41:8-10


* Personalized for me. Fill in your name for mine.


Peace,

PB

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