Faith Over Fear
By Janine Carrero
Anxiety can come from anything. Health, finances, work, school, and relationships to name a few. Relationships with family, relationships with friends, even relationships with oneself. This has always been the case, but lately, the severest of storms of our time have intensified in strength, impacting more people in new ways while living with and through this pandemic. Today, chances are that even the most trusting of people are dealing with some level of anxiety. The enemy circling all around us is a very real phenomenon. Awareness that the enemy delights in our anxiety is key to taking back control of our minds and lives. As such, never has it been more important to seek shelter in one’s faith and trust in the Lord…who is with us always!
I have been plagued with stress for what seems like forever. Depending on a demanding job to provide for my family. Dealing with my husband’s disabling health issues for two decades and now learning to deal with my own health. Aspiring to be the best version of myself for our two beautiful boys. Battling with guilt whenever I tried to focus on myself. I know that like you, God has given me superpowers. But I have come to realize that some days I wear my cape too tight, so much so that many times I feel as though I am choking myself. Upgrading to a customized cape made of passion and purpose that fits me perfectly seems like a good way to relieve some stress. If only that was enough though. Learning to manage stress is necessary to function. For decades, I felt accomplished in this regard as I was able to care for others. But by not prioritizing self-care, the pandemic has put me in the path of what has become my kryptonite, anxiety.
I hear the track of my anxious thoughts at such a high volume and on repeat. My mind races with thoughts that do not serve me. Thoughts are racing so fast, that being casted for Fast and Furious 59 is an actual possibility. When anxiety attacks, I can feel the shift in energy. Excessive worrying, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, inability to concentrate, irritability and tension, increased heart rate and palpitations, sweating, trembling, shaking, and chest pains. The crippling way my body feels as if it is shutting down leaves me paralyzed with fear. How are we going to pay our bills? Will our health continue to decline? Are our children safe at school? The fear goes beyond the circumstances to thoughts of not having lived the life our Father planned for me. Why did I allow myself to stay stuck for so long? How did I miss that opportunity to step into my purpose? Then I break free, knowing I can do all things in Christ and there is still breath in my lungs.
A layoff or disability can be an opportunity to live our purpose. However, for many that may not be the first thought. Calling on God during times of worry and despair, engaging in an authentic conversation can truly lift our spirits and perception of all that is going on in the moment. Why then does it take me and others so long to find our strength in the knowledge that we are worthy of all God has for us? We can have the courage to change careers or start our own business in pursuit of seeking meaningful work we love to do. We can go back to school to enhance skills or build new ones. We can have honest conversations to help our children navigate the challenges of life. We can make the necessary changes to improve our health. We can make self-care a priority without sacrificing our family. We can be generous with our money, time, and talents to make a positive difference in this world.
Our thoughts are powerful. The thoughts we have about our circumstances and our ability to overcome them instead of allowing them to overwhelm us is vital to our overall health. Faith over fear, embracing a God-driven mindset is a must in our quest for victory over anxiety. Another ally is the relationship we have with ourselves. We can all benefit from a more compassionate self. Unrealistic expectations, doubt, criticism, negativity are all toxic choices and self-sabotaging. Life can make us feel rejected, weak, untalented, unworthy, useless, and so much more. But does God see us this way? We were made in His image, so we are enough. We are strong. We have been given a perfect gift. We are worthy. We are a light that can be used for God’s glory. Taking the time to deepen our relationship with God can help us build a foundation for a healthy relationship with ourselves. This is a dire need and vitally important to intimately know our identity in Christ. We must embrace every aspect of our testimonies. We must be unafraid to give our truths a voice. A voice that can not only help free ourselves but from sharing our journey we help our brothers and sisters in Christ know that they are not alone.
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So do not try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work, so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
James 1:2-4 - The Message
Join me in letting go of our self-saving plan for God’s plan. He invites us to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior. Replacing stress and anxiety with patience and trust will help us silence the chaos of our understanding of God’s voice as He reveals His perfect plan for our lives…in His time. God’s voice will no doubt bring peace and change to any circumstance, but I would be remiss if I did not keep God’s timing in mind. It is easy to feel as if we are ready, becoming frustrated by silence or what we cannot yet see. But the truth is we are human. We cannot read minds nor can we time travel. Therefore, we must always be in prayer and have our eyes fixed on His word. Giving every area of our lives to God daily, not just in times of need. This is a discipline we must develop to shape our characters to be more Christ-like. In doing so we can be a blessing to many, while in turn, receiving blessings abundantly from the plans God has for us.
Putting faith over fear starts with a choice. A choice to think differently. As chosen women of God, let us take on the challenge to always be prepared to battle anxiety by keeping our thoughts rooted in the truth of God’s word, daily.
