I went on a trip over seas recently that stretched me. My journey would require me to get on a plane seven times. Flying has often been something I’ve struggled with in life. Something about the whole thing strikes up nervousness and fear in my heart.
I have determined not to let fear stop me from doing anything I feel called to but it has meant enduring a lot of emotional stress at times. On this trip though something new emerged from my fight with fear which brought breakthrough that will forever change the way I view my life.
Crossing Over
There I was ready to cross over into security and begin my journey on a trip I had been waiting to go on for years and something was holding me back. Every time I’d collect my bags and start heading towards the line I felt resistance inside. I had some time so I decided to sit down and ask my heart what was up. I invited Jesus into the conversation.
Throughout the next few days of travel I discovered my heart was in a serious battle with doubt that God had good plans for my life. This was causing fear and a lack of trust that I was going to be alright travelling to the other side of the world.
Flying wasn’t the real issue. Something wedged between my experience and the truth of God’s love was.
Adverse childhood experiences had left an imprint on my heart. A belief that I may not be cared for because no one was watching out for me was being unearthed. Insights from leading spiritual counselling models inform us of our tendency to project the beliefs we acquire from childhood onto God. Those beliefs become the narrative that darkness leverages in order to drive us away from God and the vital experience of relationship with Him.
Over the course of fourteen days of travel God continuously met me with truth about His involvement in my life. He calmed my emotional storms and made me brave in the strength of His love.
Fear Not …
Fear is an experience very common to all of us. However, its roots inside of each of us are tailor made. I knew the Bible verses encouraging me not to fear but it wasn’t until I heard God speak specifically to the reason why I was in fear breakthrough happened.
God navigates fear continuously in His relationship with us. The scriptures teach encountering a Love that is perfect casts out the fear we may be feeling (1 John 4:18).
The comforting presence of being loved becomes the cure for the fear we are facing.
God knows what He is working with inside of each of us.
He works diligently through Holy Spirit to bring us into a greater and greater experience of His love.
I am so thankful for His faithfulness which made sure I didn’t miss out on an amazing trip!
Child of God know this:
You and I are not meant for fear. Fear is the result of living in a broken world detached from an awareness of God’s love. God wants to speak the truth of His care for you into your situation. He wants to give you confidence to trust and step out.
Knowing His love makes us feel safe in the world. As our attachment to Him becomes secure we are free to explore, grow, and discover the life we are made for.
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