“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” ~ Matthew 8:23-26 (ESV)
‘Imagine your life wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, absent the dread of failure, rejection, and calamity. Can you imagine a life with no fear?’ ~ Max Lucado
Can I imagine a life without fear? Can you? Oh how I pray that my head would follow my heart at all times. Let me share something with you that I never shared publicly on my blog…
You do know that my marriage was rocky about 5 years ago. It was so rocky that I wanted to get out – out of the boat because I didn’t wanted to get soaked. I was ready to walk out — twice. You see, I always battled insecurity (some days I still do – just not to that extend).
I guess when women reach a certain age, they believe some lies that the enemy likes to put into our head…
Our son was close to the end of his studies at that time. What if my husband and I grew too much apart? What if my beloved would no longer desire me as his wife? What if my husband finds a younger, more beautiful woman…
Oh, all the what ifs that came to mind and made me fearful of the future. I was so fearful my husband would leave that I truly entertained the idea of moving back to Germany — after 22 years of marriage. The storm was the worst in our marriage. After tearful months and inner turmoil, I could only hold on to the One who could calm the storms — Jesus. I had faith that He could see us through this really, really rough spot. And He did!
Are you battling any “what ifs…” right now? Would you be open to share them with us on your blog or here in the comments? You see, the enemy likes to use those “what ifs…” to make us fearful of the future. Yes, these “what ifs…” make us do things that are not very rational — we panic (I did — almost ending my marriage). Remember: cast your ‘what ifs…” on Him — He is with you in every storm and has the power to calm it.
You truly bless me.
Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. The “what if” game can get you every time. As someone who has battled (still do at times) with insecurities I know how much satan can mess with your mind. Praise God we serve a big God who never lets us go.
What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?
That is my goal, but I can tell you I have already failed in 2010 and it is only January. But I know God does not give up on me and I will keep trying. =)
Great post, Iris. I have started Beth Moore’s book So Long, Insecurity and it is very eye opening to me.
Yes, the “what if” game is one that often rolls in my mind. Sometimes it is just the dumbest things I realize that I’m saying “what if” about….usually if I write it down or type it I think why would I think such!? I did this often in school. Every year I’d have a new “what if” that I was worried about for the coming year.They make me laugh now to think back on them, but at the same time remind me that God was with me in the new changes I went through of high school and He’s with me now.
In the study I did Me, Myself, and LIes, it said to replace the What IF with What IS. That was helpful for me to read and try to apply to my life.
Hi Iris!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I must admit, journaling my feelings about this was difficult at first, but relieving as well. I re-posted the quote you placed on your entry from Max Lucado on my Facebook as my status, to help remind me of how it could be like to not live in fear at all. I am hoping that many others will see it and be inspired to ask for God’s help through all the uncertain times they face.
God bless you!
What if…, this posts hits right where I’m at today Iris. I find I’m constantly plagued with what ifs especially after I’ve made a decision and I’m not sure it’s the right one or how it’s going to work out. Thank you for the reminder that this too is a form of fear.
Thank you for sharing.
What if… my life is filled with what ifs. Afraid of failure, afraid of loss… what if.
What if I could live my life totally without fear and a victorious life of faith… I can. I must.
Thanks for this study, Iris.
Thank you for sharing your “what ifs” and taking us through this study.
I blogged about my “what ifs” in relation to my life as a military spouse.
Your post and to reflect on it is an blessing to me.
Thanks Iris to lead us on this FEARLESS Journey
Have an great day and weekend
Bernice @ My Journey