Fear of failure has dominated my life for years. The need to succeed has driven the direction of my life. Always wanting to be good at what I do, I placed a high standard of accomplishment upon myself. Other times, people put those expectations on me.

But, fear of failure can have negative consequences. “Well, I can’t really do that, because I might not be able to finish.” Or does this sound familiar: “Even though I want to write a book, drive a car, get married someday, I just don’t want to risk the chance of failure.”

Year ago, I was praying about these expectations that were driving my life. I prayed, “Lord, I hate feeling like I have to accomplish everything and do everything. It’s just too much of a burden. I don’t want to fail these people. I don’t want to fail myself. And most of all, I don’t want to fail you.”

Then, I started thinking about my son. “Can he fail me?” No, he’s my son. He’s young and learning. He’s curious, but transparently honest. Yes, he makes mistakes at times, but he has never failed me. I love him for who he is, not for what he does.

It was at that moment that I felt God say to me the same words, “Russell, you are spiritually young, and you are learning. You are curious, but honest. You make mistakes at times, but you have never failed me. I love you for who you are, not for what you do.”

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39).

Immediately, I felt as if God had released me from all of the expectations he had on me–succeeding, achieving, accomplishing, always moving forward, never failing. I felt like he had given me the opportunity to fail. Now, let me clarify one thing–God was not giving me a license to disobey. God calls us to obedience. But, I felt he was giving me the opportunity to fail.

I encourage you to pray and ask God to show you what he requires of you. I think if you really listen and read the Bible, you will find that God loves you for who you are, not for what you accomplish. Jesus explains the only two requirements that are required of us: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

This week, find some way to invest your “talents”, take some Godly risks and don’t be afraid of failing. God loves you for who you are.

Prayer: Father, please reveal to me any unhealthy expectations. Show me your expectations. Show me how to release those things that are not of you. Open up my heart to receive your love.

You step on something sharp. “Ouch!” You lean against a hot curling iron. “Hey!” You get a blister from raking leaves all day. “Ooh!”

Pain. I’ve sometimes wondered why God created us with an ability to feel pain. It really hurts. Pain is not a pleasant experience.

Yet, the more I learn, the more I realize that pain is a gift. It’s a God-given mechanism that alerts our body to something that is wrong. The “pain sensors” all over our body provide a type of feedback system to our brain, alerting us to sensitive areas that have been damaged or injured.

Does pain have a purpose? Did God goof up when he created us to feel pain?

Take a look at Leprosy, known today as Hansen’s disease. This condition attacks the nervous system, disabling the body’s ability to feel pain. “Great,” you would think. “No more pain. No more back aches.” The problem with this condition is that a person cannot feel the pain of an injury and, therefore, they become susceptible to further damaging a hand, a foot, a finger, a leg or an arm. The damage is worsened because the injured person can’t feel how injured they are.

Pain is part of the healing process. We guard a scrape on our leg, limp to avoid stepping on an injured ankle, bandage an infected finger that is tender to the touch. Our pain sensors are screaming for time to heal. Yet, a person who can’t feel pain complicates their injury by not allowing it to heal properly. Without pain, the damage only gets worse.

Panic attacks involve pain–emotional, spiritual and physical. For some, there is a physical chemical imbalance causing these attacks. For others, the pain is rooted deep in a past full of hurts and haunts. Yet for others, the pain may be spiritual, directly related to the unseen world around us. The pain of panic, like an injured hand, should force us to look at what is causing the pain, so that we can take the proper steps towards healing.

This week, I encourage you to find the purpose for your pain. God desires that you walk in freedom and peace. Pain is one of God’s ways of pushing us to that place of healing. Call out to God in prayer. Seek him for your pathway to peace. When you call to him in Jesus’ name, he will answer. He is a Father who cares for his children more than you can ever know.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

Prayer: Father, I don’t like experiencing pain, but it has a purpose. Lord, reveal to me the cause of my pain that I may dig down into those roots and remove them. Keep me from just numbing the pain. Help me to treat the true source that I may walk in complete healing and peace.

People often write to me saying: “Russell, I wish I had the faith you had, because then I could beat this anxiety.”

I wish I had the faith that everyone thinks I have. You see, faith is not just believing–it’s how you hang on to the truth even when you don’t feel like believing.

Most of the time, people see faith as just believing. “If I can just believe in God more, then surely I can beat this thing.” Or maybe this sounds familiar, “I just don’t feel like God is helping me. If only I had more faith.”

When fear would strike, everything in me went into high gear. My mind would race. My heart would pound. My legs would go numb. I couldn’t catch my breath. I was ready to fight or run. This is a natural reaction to fear.

When that happened, I didn’t feel God’s presence, nor did I feel his peace. My “faith” was gone, and it seemed like God was not real. It was not easy to experience these terrifying thoughts. So how did I respond?

The Bible says that God will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). It also commands me to trust in the Lord with all my heart, and to not lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Even today when everything in me screams Run! or Fight!, I choose not to respond to those cries of fear. Rather, I choose to trust God–even if nothing makes sense. I choose to respond to God.

Faith is how you respond to God even when he doesn’t seem real, or things don’t seem to make sense. It’s how you respond to what the Bible says rather than what your feelings say.

Even if you don’t feel like your faith is strong, I encourage you to respond to God, rather than to fear. When those anxious thoughts come crashing in, don’t lean on your own understanding. Instead, trust God. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Prayer: Father, help me to understand true faith. Show me how to trust you in the darkness, when my mind can’t comprehend all that is happening to me. Show me how to reach up and grab hold of your hand as you guide me through this valley of fear and anxiety.

by Angela Pond

It was Halloween night when my husband and I were awakened by a phone call about midnight. A friend of mine needed some help.

Prior to this night, I had been meditating on this one scripture from Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Knowing that my friend needed my help, I threw on some clothes and headed out the door. It was a crisp, fall night, so I rolled down my windows as I started the half-hour journey to her house.

Suddenly, I had this thought, “You know, it’s Halloween night, and there’s lots of satanic stuff that’s going on right now.” As soon as I had that thought, I was consumed with the most intense fear I have ever experienced. All I could do was quote Isaiah 41:10 over and over. Immediately, the fear left.

As I continued driving, I had another thought, “Well, at least roll up the windows. That will keep you safe.”

Now, I was starting to get mad, “No! I will not give in to fear. I will not obey you, fear!” I kept my windows down and enjoyed the nice, cool air.

I made it to my friend’s house quickly. It became obvious that God was with me the entire time, because during my drive I saw four policemen along the way. It was as if God was saying, “No need to fear my daughter. I am with you. I will protect you.”

I believe God was preparing me by putting his Word into my heart prior to that night. God is so faithful!

Prayer: Lord, when fear starts to shout and command, please strengthen me so that I will not give in to its demands.  Father, I put my trust in you.

The Midianites had been cruel to the Israelites, destroying their crops, their homes, their families. In fact, the Israelites were so afraid of the Midianites that they fled to the mountains and hid in caves.

Yet, when Gideon was preparing to attack thousands upon thousands of Midianites, God spoke some specific instructions: “You have too many warriors with you” (Judges 7:2a).

What? Too many warriors? Why does that matter?

“If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own,” (7.2b) God explained.

God gave Gideon one basic command: “Trust me.” He was asking Gideon not to fight as he would naturally; rather, he was calling him to a supernatural battle–a battle fought by God, not by man.

After a couple of God-ordained tests, Gideon’s army, which started out as 32,000 soldiers, stood at 300 men. Though his physical army seemed small, his heavenly army more than made up the difference.

With a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other, Gideon’s army of 300 surrounded the Midianite camp.

What? Glass jars and trumpets? Where were the swords and armor? Where were the archers to fire arrows into the camp? The chariots and horses to trample the enemy?

Again, God had other plans. He had selected Gideon and his small band of warriors as instruments to bring forth a supernatural victory–a victory for which only God could get the credit.

I have learned that my battle with fear and panic is similar in many ways. I can gather an army of psychiatrists, psychologists, medication, meditation, self-help books, support groups, breathing techniques, relaxation tapes and more. I might amass enough resources to beat this thing. But who gets the credit?

I believe God desires to instruct each person on which resources he wants to use in your battle. Maybe it’s medication or a good counselor, or maybe it’s a combination of both. Maybe it’s something odd like glass jars and trumpets. Maybe God wants you to fight this battle alone. Whatever God instructs you to do, do it. After all, this is his battle.

Each one of the resources I listed are powerful tools for healing and recovery when God works through them. However, you can’t place your trust in your resources–your personal army against anxiety. Call upon God for guidance. Let him show you what he wants you to do.

Prayer: Father, show me which “weapons,” if any, you would have me carry. I praise you for past and future victories, because I know that only through your Son will I win this battle.

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

This verse is often quoted when we talk to others about fear. It’s prayed over us when we humbly confess our anxieties. Yes, there’s hope when God talks about love, power and a sound mind. But I must confess, I did not like this scripture.

Here’s why?

When I did eventually let my guard down and share my “condition” with other Christians, their canned response would inevitably be: “But God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear.” Their eyes would squint and their head would tilt as they stared at me with confused looks on their faces.

Even though they didn’t say it, here’s what I heard, “You’re a Christian, but apparently you’re not walking with God. What have you done wrong?”

I know they meant well, but most people just don’t understand this condition. How could they? They have never experienced the terror and torment.

So, for a long time, whenever I heard that scripture quoted, my skin would crawl. I would play back those piercing, painful words and looks from people. Even with God, I would cry out, “Well if you haven’t given me a spirit of fear, then why do I feel so afraid?”

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I began to understand this verse. A pastor said to me, “Russ, God hasn’t given you this spirit of fear. Yes, the enemy may have, but God hasn’t. God wants you to have love and power and a sound mind. That’s his desire for you.”

It’s true. God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Those plans do not include fear, torment or bondage. Your Father’s plans are peace, power and purpose.

He has not given you a spirit of fear–a spirit that binds you and holds you back. He has given you his Holy Spirit–the Spirit of comfort and counsel. The Spirit of peace, power and purpose.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you understand me even when others don’t. I believe that you want what is best for me–power and love and a sound mind. I claim these gifts and resist every “spirit of fear” by the power of your Holy Spirit.

Two men stood at the foot of a bridge. “It looks sturdy,” declared the younger man. “I am sure it will hold us when we cross. There should be no problem. Look at that reliable construction. Look at the width of those wood beams. I am sure it will be fine.”

The other man just stood there quietly for a few seconds. Then he headed out across the bridge.

Let me ask you a question: which one had faith that the bridge was strong enough to hold him? Was it the one who professed it was sturdy or the one who walked across?

Faith is more than just believing. It is more than just confessing. Faith is putting into action what we believe. It’s not just waiting around for God to come down and zap us. If we never act upon what we believe, then we are not expressing our faith. We can talk all day about God’s strength and protection, but if we never act on it–if we never step out–our faith is dead.

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:15-17).

Many people “talk the talk,” but fewer “walk the walk.” When trials come, faith will be tested. My faith was tested a few years ago. I boldly declared my confidence in God. But, when trouble hit, my life crumbled. My faith proved to be nothing more than a vain declaration. I really didn’t believe what I was saying.

Today, I am able to act upon my faith in God. When the fear comes crashing in, I don’t obey it. Instead I obey God. I believe he will protect me and keep me safe. I put my faith into action by consciously choosing to rest in that belief. I walk across that bridge instead of just talking about it.

You may ask, “Where do I start? How can I believe God’s promises? How can I express my faith?”

Begin by praying for faith–faith to respond to God’s promises. Read the Bible to learn more about those promises and God’s faithfulness. Unlike that bridge, God will not sway or break. Our Father is strong and steadfast. He is faithful. He will never fail you.

Prayer: Father, there may have been times that I have professed my faith in you only to fail you. I ask that you would give me the courage and strength to stand in faith–to trust you no matter what comes my way.

Are you truly honest with God? Or do you approach God like you approach friends and family? “Things are going great right now. Couldn’t be better.” When actually things could be a lot better. When is the last time you responded to a friends greeting with, “Actually, things sure have been rough this week?” When is the last time you really told God how you felt?

David was considered by God a man after his own heart (Acts 13:22). Why was David a man after God’s own heart? It wasn’t because he was perfect. Why was David different?

David was honest with God. He really told God how he felt. There was no facade in his prayer life. He did not carry a superficial attitude in worship. He was open and honest with God.

Have you ever felt abandoned by the Lord? David did, and he told the Lord how he felt:

“I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’ My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalms 42:9-10).

Even when David was angry with others, he expressed it to the Lord:

“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions! Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted. Like a slug melting away as it moves along, like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns–whether they be green or dry–the wicked will be swept away” (Psalms 58:6-9).

When David was in difficult situations, he told God about his despair:

“My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me” (Psalms 55:4-5).

“Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground” (Psalms 44:24-25).

David also worshipped the Lord:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalms 42:1-2).

David was a man after Gods own heart, because he was open and honest with God. David expressed all of his true emotions to God, not just the pleasant ones. To David, God was friend he could confide in.

Today, I encourage you to be transparent before God. He already knows everything. Why not get it all out on the table and ask him to help you work through those issues that may be holding you back. Let your Father shine his light on the dark areas of your soul. He will open your heart to a new peace and new freedom that only comes by being honest with God.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for not being honest with you. Help me to understand and know where I have not been honest with you. Lord, I open my heart to you. I desire to be open and honest with you from this day forward.

A Fragile Moment of Hope

Today’s message comes from a book I picked up at the library during a lunch break one afternoon. I was so moved by this one story. It really created within me a new kind of hope. I pray it will do the same for you.

“A Fragile Moment of Hope” by Josephine Jensen

The sun had not yet risen as I walked alone along the beach. The night’s high tide had left the beach strewn with debris. A seagull, which once had glided in the blue, lay lifeless on the sand. Matted seaweed, once a living part of the deep, was now discarded by the waves. Driftwood, too, once green and growing, lay in silver-gray desolation.

Tears welled in my eyes. Those tragic bits and pieces, broken and still, were reminders of something in my life which had once been vibrant and alive, but now, too, was dead.

I slumped on the sand and closed my eyes. How long I sat there I do not know. Then a child’s shout rang across the beach.

Two children were running down the beach. As I looked up, they stopped. They had found the seagull. For a moment they stood silently around it. Then they dug a grave with a piece of driftwood, buried the bird and placed shells in an elaborate pattern on the mound.

With a whoop, they then dashed to the seaweed. Draping it around their waists, they wiggled their hips and, in their imagination, were in Hawaii. A long tendril became a jump rope. In each newfound object there was fresh discovery.

Everything they looked at, I had looked at. Yet while I saw only death, they saw wonder and excitement.

I rose and started home. A fragment of Scripture, half forgotten, came to mind: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” (Philippians 3:13).

The rays of the rising sun flooded the hills. The same became a thousand diamonds, and I walked on them. It was the beginning of a new day.

Philippians 3:13 encourages us to forget what is behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. Panic attacks and fear can leave lots of mental and emotional debris in its path, making things seem lifeless and dead, but God encourages us to press on, forgetting those things and reaching for new things in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, help me to cast off all dead baggage that serves no healthy purpose. Help me to not look behind, but forward. Help me to understand that you are the God of hope. Lord, I will trust in you as we move forward from this day forward.

Surrounding the deep blue water was a range of beautiful mountains. The elderly gentleman paddled throughout most of the morning as he traveled out into the lake. Then, a strange thing happened. A dense fog began rolling in over the mountains on to the lake. Before long this man was completely surrounded by this fog. He panicked and began paddling back to shore, but he didn’t have any sense of direction. He paddled one way for a while and then stopped. Then, he paddled another way and stopped. He had no sense of direction. He was lost.

By now, this man was scared and confused. All energy was zapped. All strength was gone. Then, he heard someone calling from the shore. He couldn’t see them, but he could hear their faint voice. He paddled and paddled towards the voice. Eventually, he made it to shore safely.

How many times do you feel dazed and confused, like you are paddling in circles? You can’t see your boundaries. You can’t figure out which way to paddle. Your strength is gone. Your hope is dwindling.

Elijah knew hopelessness. Jezebel’s death sentence had him fleeing for his life. Alone and afraid, Elijah sought God and God answered:

“A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11b-12).

Let me encourage you to listen. Listen carefully. There’s a still, small whisper calling your name. Each time you cry out in desperation, each time you cry out for a boundary, some place to grab hold of, God hears you. Not only does God hear, he speaks.

Listen carefully for your Father’s faint voice as he gives you direction in the fog of fear and anxiety. When you start paddling towards his voice, the darkness will begin to fade.

Prayer: Father, help me out of this dense fog of fear. Speak clearly so that I may know which way to paddle in life. Give me clear direction. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit.