Midday blog: Does Fear Hold You Back?
I’m all about communicating Freedom to Women. I believe that is my calling but often I find that fear holds me back. Fear is the antithesis of freedom. So how can we live free and fearless? A number of years ago God answered that question for me in an unexpected way.
A piece of my story is about divorce. I went through a divorce about 12 years ago and one of my biggest fears was that life was over, I was finished, all washed up! God couldn’t use a divorced woman. I believed I’d been sidelined. That’s what some people told me, and that was my perception after growing up and spending most of my life inside the Church. God, however, had another idea! He sent some amazing people into my life to speak a different message into my heart and soul, a message of life, hope and healing. Today I speak to thousands of women every day on Midday Connection and get to share that same message of freedom and healing and life.
Here is one of my favorite verses in Scripture on the topic of freedom, Galatians 5:1. “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” How about it, will you stay free along with me?
What’s your story? What is one of your biggest fears that you’ve watched God dismantle as he helped you see His truth?
Anita Lustrea is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and has worked for Moody Radio since 1984. She is a sought-after conference and retreat speaker and loves to connect with Midday Connection listeners face-to-face. Anita lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Mike, and her son, John. To learn more about Anita, her speaking schedule and her blog, please visit her website.
I know the only way I got through my divorce was by the grace of God. He recently opened my eyes to my current situation.. I have been out of work since Aug 2012.. Major surgery on my spine. My lumbar area was rebuilt..Still having problems in my spine. What God has done, for years I knew I had to leave my job.. what kept me was my paycheck. My fear was how would I find another job and having the fear of once I got it then be would be a greater chance of a lay off. Currently how job world is going for so many people. I was listening a sermon for the 2nd time and when the Pastor made a comment about not touching anything unclean..and removing yourself from unclean area. That is a painful move to make on your own. Duh the light went off.. He has done so.. I believe God had pulled me out of there due to my medical condition steadily getting worse.. And now that I am still off, I am getting more and more grounded in God’s word..And before I was just working & taking care of my home etc.. not putting enough or any time with the Lord.. I know now that God made this fear for me go away and with ease.. I wasn’t looking at his way.. I was looking at my way of oh no. I can’t be off work.. Well I’m still off as I stated before and God has answered a lot of prayers and he show’s me that Jesus is with me ..
The fear I always have is whether I’m really doing what God wants me to do or am I missing what he really wants from me! Sometimes it’s just paralyzing because there are things I’d like to try but am never sure if it’s coming from me or from God. So most of the time I don’t try something because of that.
I so understand that.. but I just try to hear what God is telling me.. If I submit completely.. resist continually. confess throughly.. I seem to hear God’s voice .. If we come forth and submit our thoughts, our fears, and what our day is he will guide us through.. I just came across with this verse.. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.. Matt 11:28.. I just realize more that all things come through Christ only….