5 Steps To Overcome Fear

5 Steps To Overcome Fear

Fear is real and the enemy uses it to prevent you from fulfilling God’s purpose. Scripture says that fearful thoughts bring torment and I have experienced the reality of that statement in my life. I have also been freed from the destructive effects of fear, and you can too. These 5 steps will set you on the road to freedom from fear, through the Word of God. 



1. Fear is Not From God

 

‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

 

Love is the language of God and fear is the language of the enemy. Unconditional love brings peace and fear is not God’s will for your life. His Word states over and over to ‘fear not’ because He is in control. He has given you a sound mind which means He gives you the ability to choose what goes in and stays in your mind. You can change from being a victim of fear to meditating on the love of God by an act of your will.

Take care not to feed your fear with the things you watch or listen to, but starve it by feeding on the Word of God. Trusting in His love and care for you will shut out fear and its effect on your life.



2. Fear is Not God’s Plan

‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.’ 1 John 4:18 NKJV




Fear was never God’s plan for your life, but He knew it would be part of this world. Jesus’ perfect love casts out fear and a solid understanding of His love for you can change fear to faith. The battle against fear cannot be won in your own strength, but it can be won.

Direct your focus away from the fear and onto God’s matchless love for you. When your focus is on the fear, it becomes harder to get free. Fear cannot exist where His perfect love abides.



3. Fear God and Fear Not 

 

‘Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.’ Proverbs 28:14 ESV

‘Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.’ Proverbs 29:25 NLT




The fear of God is reverence, honor, holding Him in awe and a deep desire to bless Him. God does not want you to be afraid of Him and He does not punish you with fear. He does not punish you at all. He always has your best interests at heart so you never need to fear His direction in your life.

Trust in God and He will keep you safe from the unhealthy fear the enemy uses to prevent you from fulfilling your purpose.




4. The Battle of Fear is in Your Mind

 

‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.’ Romans 8:28 NKJV



‘We suffer much more in imagination than we suffer in reality’ -Seneca-

Fear is more real in your mind than it is in actual fact. Are you playing a movie of fearful situations in your mind? Are you meditating on ‘what if’ and ‘oh no’ or the worst case scenario? Fear is irrational and senseless because it is based around something that isn’t currently happening and may never happen.

God promises that even what is meant to harm you will be used for your good (Genesis 50:20). Trust cancels out the imaginings that feed on fear.

 

5. Take Fearful Thoughts Captive

 

‘Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,’ 2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV



You are not powerless against fearful thoughts, you are powerful through Jesus. You do not fight against flesh and blood and you do not fight fear on your own. God has made a way for you to throw thoughts of fear at the feet of Jesus and hold up the truth of His Word. Compare tormenting thoughts to the Word and choose to believe the TRUTH.

Nothing is impossible with God. You can exchange a negative thought for the light of truth and the peace of His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from the loop of fear-based thinking. You are not meant to live a life plagued by fear. Here is a simplified way to process your thoughts:

Fear is from the enemy

There is no truth in the enemy

Therefore there is no truth in fear

Does this thought bring fear?

It is not from the Lord

Exchange that thought for a promise in God’s Word

Agree with the Word and turn away from fear

What you agree with is what has power in your life. 

 

What Does the Bible Say About Success?

What Does the Bible Say About Success?

In more than 35 years of business and ministry experience, I have found principles from the Word to be infallible guidelines toward success. None of these principles take the place of hard work and determination, but they enhance the effort and increase the level of success. No matter what goal you are headed toward, these 15 guidelines will speed you on your way.

1. Finish What You Start

 

‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ John 17:4 NKJV

If you do not finish the work, there will be no results. Jesus is the ultimate example of a finisher. You have the same opportunity (not the same way) to glorify God as Jesus did, by fulfilling His Word to you.

Remember, the pressure is greatest when you are closest to success—right before the finish line.

 

2. Bring the Enthusiasm

‘We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!’ Hebrews 12:2 TPT



Enthusiasm can physically propel you to the finish line. Jesus was focused on the joy of completing His purpose, even though He knew there would be more involved than what He had already experienced. 

Think about the joy on the other side of a struggle and bring the anticipation and enthusiasm with you.

3. Force a Habit

 

‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.’ Galatians 6:7 AMP




Your life is a result of what you do every day. Begin with some small things you want to start or stop doing and work toward making those things into sustainable habits.

Every day do the things that will make you into the person you want to be. You want to be: physically fit—exercise, knowledgeable—study.

4. Walk on the Positive Side

 

‘So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.’ Romans 8:28 TPT

The things you meditate on will direct your life whether positive or negative, life-giving or fearful. Keep your mindset focused on the positive evidence of God’s perfect plan for your life.

Set the sail of your life based on God’s Word to bring about prosperity, blessing and success.

5. Practice Excellence

 

‘By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.’ Hebrews 11:4 NKJV



Thankfully, excellence is not perfectionism. Abel gave the very best from his firstborn lambs and God said it was excellent. Striving for perfection is useless, but giving your very best is possible every day.

Take the extra time required to do things with excellence, impacting those around you.

6. Think Fast

 

‘But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Matthew 22:18-21 NKJV



Jesus knew how to respond when people were trying to trick Him, or when they needed life-giving encouragement. Being able to respond clearly and concisely in any situation is an asset, helping you avoid unwise reactions.

Having a ready answer and communicating well are attainable skills. Begin observing those around you with this skill, learn from them, then practice.

7. Keep Calm and Carry On

 

‘A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.’ Proverbs 15:1 NLT



The temptation to let your emotions take control can put you at a disadvantage. There will be times you want to lose it, but learning to handle your emotions will keep you level-headed and rational.

During volatile moments it helps to stop and listen to the Lord. You are better able to respond in kindness when you allow the Lord to fight your battles.

8. Reach Critical Mass

‘Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings.’  Proverbs 15:31-32 TPT



Positive criticism is a gift to help you move toward success. It comes with a desire to help you grow, mature and accomplish your goal. Negative criticism is destructive and contradictory to what God says about you.

Discern which type of criticism you are dealing with, then receive the positive and release the negative. Remember, even positive criticism comes with corrections and adjustments.

9. Attract Favor

‘If your heart is right, favor flows from the Lord, but a devious heart invites his condemnation.’ Proverbs 12:2 TPT



In any situation, when your heart is right—with good intentions—you will receive favor from God. And, of course, a heart with wrong intentions will not receive His favor. People are attracted to positive, supportive, intentional leaders. 

Be the person people are happy to see. Change the atmosphere in the room.

10. Hang in There

‘Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36 NLT



Everything of value requires patience and perseverance. Don’t miss out on what the Lord is teaching you by letting go too soon. Endurance is the engine that will get you to the next level. 

Hang in there and you will come out the other side with success.

11. Don’t Worry About It

‘And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life?’ Matthew 6:27 AMP



Worry is the result of being afraid of something that hasn’t and probably won’t happen. Stress is being afraid of a negative outcome or needing to please others. Both can cause sickness and premature aging. When you feel stress or worry, rejoice and seek His Word for the answer.

Peter Daniels says, “Stop creating a mental picture of what you DON’T want.” Problems are opportunities to see the Lord work through you.

12. Decide Already

‘But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.’ James 1:6-7 NLT



You may not always make the right decision, but go ahead and make one. A leader’s decision gives their team the ability to follow with confidence. Indecision brings a halt to forward motion and creates an atmosphere of instability. 

People are looking for leaders who are stable and decisive.

13. Lay an Egg

‘The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.’ Proverbs 21:20 NLT



Setting aside financial reserves is both practical and spiritual. You are prepared to help your business or family through difficult times. You will take the pressure off relationships when unexpected situations occur. 

Live within your means and set aside a nest egg for possible future events.

14. Listen Good

‘A man’s heart is the proudest when his downfall is nearest, for he won’t see glory until the Lord sees humility. Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.’ Proverbs 18:12-13 TPT


Ask questions because there is always more to learn. Jesus asked questions that opened conversations. Leadership decisions require input from your team or family. Ask frequently and Listen attentively.

To create a strong team, humbly ask those who know more than you for input, feedback and suggestions.

15. Choose Wisely

‘For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.’ 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV



You always have a choice. Don’t let outside pressures cause you to give up your choice. God leads and guides through peace, not pressure. 

You are in charge of you. Your free will is a gift from God. Hang onto your power of choice.

I don’t recommend implementing all 15 of these at once. However as you focus your mind and heart toward His Word and hearing His voice, you will find yourself living His way. As you can see, the Bible has plenty to say about success and His desire to see you fulfill your purpose. He is your most enthusiastic advocate!

Fireplace Ideas

Fireplace Ideas

Hospitality is a big part of showing people the love of God. My favorite place to show hospitality is in a room with a fireplace. I love fireplaces and I don’t know about you, but if there’s a place I want to cozy up and feel relaxed it is near a fireplace. Did you know, it’s actually scriptural for us to have a fireplace and to invite people over who may be strangers or new acquaintances.

The people who lived there showed us extraordinary kindness for they welcomed us around the fire they had built because it was cold and rainy. Acts 28:2 TPT 

This is talking about a physically cold time and I know all about that from growing up in Minnesota. I was a cheerleader in high school and Minnesota  was very very cold on game nights. We would ride home in the back of a school bus and by the time I got back to the school, I was teeth-chattering cold. My dad was there to pick me up and he always had a fire in the fireplace when we got home. He would put me right next to the fire then bring me a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. That made me feel so loved and it created a memory that I have carried with me all my life.

I believe this scripture is also talking about when people’s hearts are cold.

before and after fireplace, fireplace, diy, German schmear, fireplace mantle, fireplace decor, before and after

Guests in your home may have gone through a difficult season and simply need to feel the warmth and love of God. Biblical hospitality can involve welcoming guests into your home who have cold, sad hearts that need to be warmed. Spend some time gathering around the fireplace, talking about the Lord and creating beautiful memories with hospitality.

Gathering round,

Karen Conrad