No Fear in the New Year

Living by faith requires a level of trust that doesn't happen by accident. It's like a muscle. The more we use it - i.e. practice living by faith - the stronger it gets and the easier it becomes to trust. So what is it that makes living by faith so hard?

FEAR

We all have fear:

• fear of failure
• fear of criticism
• fear of ridicule
• fear of standing out and being different
• fear of success
• fear of hurting
• fear of not being enough
• fear of being exposed
• fear of: (add your own specific fear here)_____________________

God has not given us a spirit of fear, remember? Instead he gives us power, love and a sound mind. He has given us his Holy Spirit as a guide, teacher, comforter, and protector. He gives us the armor of faith to stand to the battles of the day and not only survive, but thrive and be victorious in spite of every obstacle and problem we may face. 

This year we will all face challenges that will test us, push us to our very limits and sometimes downright scare us to death. We don't have to live as people who have no hope and no help. As Christians we can face anything with strength and anticipation of what God will do in our lives. 

As you get ready to begin 2012 and are thinking about your new year's resolutions or goals you may already be dreading something you know will happen. Or, you may be afraid of the unknown, wondering how you will survive. 

What do you do? Get back to basics. Get in the Word of God and claim his promises. Pray. Take everything... and I mean everything to him. Don't wait. Do it every day. Don't spend a minute worrying about something all on your own. That's a waste of time and so unnecessary. 

Take a minute and click on Jon Gordon to read a bit of his story of faith and how he didn't let trying circumstances and fear stop him from pursuing his dream. 

Make one of your new year's goals developing the new habit of living boldly and without fear. What could you accomplish if didn't let fear stop you? What are God's promises for you for next year? Find out. Write them down. Memorize them. Claim them every day and be thankful even before you see the fulfillment of his promises. 

Give up your goals and dreams to him and ask him to help you face this new year with boldness, strength, and conviction. He'll do it, and you and I will never be the same. 

Your turn: What are your hopes for the new year? Do you have fears about the future? How will you face them? Leave a comment below. 

Remember I'm praying for you. 

Sherri