Moore Face It With Love

The Guide to Conquering Fear
1. Auflage 2016
ISBN: 978-0-9786945-8-6
Verlag: BookBaby
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 308 Seiten

The book, 'Face It with Love: The Guide to Conquering Fear' is for anyone who has ever felt the paralysis of fear. It is especially useful for people who are facing a crisis, stuck in a 'dead end' job or relationship, seeking greater fulfillment in their spiritual life, or tired of reading self-help books that offer various forms of distraction, like exercise and music that temporarily hold fear at bay. 'Face It with Love' explores the only true antidote to fear, shows readers how to get more of it and fight the fear that stands between them and their dreams. The Book is chock full of biblical examples, stories of those Kim has counseled and coached, and personal examples from her own life. 'Face It with Love' encourages readers to take charge of their lives, reshape the way they interact with the things they fear and rediscover the adventure of life!

Autoren/Hrsg.

Moore, Kim

Leseproben

Introduction In June of 2013, I was soaking in my bathtub, which I had repurposed into a hot tub. My body had fully surrendered to the heat when I heard God say, “Make a list, and call those pastors’ wives that you know personally. Ask them whether or not they trust you to deliver a message at an upcoming women’s meeting.” Immediately, I objected. My past rushed to my aid. Growing up, I was strongly discouraged from inviting myself to another’s house to play, eat, or sleep. It was considered impolite. Rather, I was taught to wait until I was invited. I frowned upon kids, and even ministers, inviting themselves places. Despite thinking it rude, a part of me enjoyed the ability of others to display such frankness—just not enough to do it! The truth is that there is a fear of rejection cleverly hidden beneath my desire to be polite. I fear that the very hint of inadequacy would be grounds for refusal. In his E-book, The 14 Silent Struggles – You Thought No One Else Understood, Andy Mort sums up my experience best when describing the “Imposter Syndrome.” Andy writes, “It feels like you’re somewhere you aren’t equipped to be; everyone else knows what they’re doing, and you are punching above your weight in a place you don’t belong.” Often, I have felt this way when it comes to ministry. Even though I am very confident that God has given me wisdom and revelation from the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have felt insecure and susceptible to the taunts of the adverse accusations that I am an imposter—that is, one who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for dishonest gain. The fear I experienced was real. My protest to God’s request was earnest, albeit learned. There I sat in my repurposed bathtub. No sooner had I let go of my complaint that the hot water again had its way, relaxing my muscles. Then, I clearly heard these words, “Face Your Fear: Fulfill Your Destiny.” My soul wrapped itself around these words before I could object. Six simple words: one huge assignment. And then, the still small voice repeated His request. “Make a list and call those pastors’ wives that you know personally. Ask them whether or not they trust you to deliver a message at an upcoming women’s meeting.” This time, I agreed. Still, I was afraid. What made the fear more terrorizing was that God did not promise me everything was going to turn out to my liking. He didn’t tell me that the women would say yes. Rather, He said that if I got in the room with that which I feared, I would fulfill my destiny. Fulfilling my destiny did not depend on the approval of these women. All of them could have refused my request, and I still would have fulfilled my God-given assignment! Why did I have such fear? This was my community. Loosely, we held together through a common desire to minister to God’s people. We shared ministry overseers, attended annual retreats, and joined together for infrequent breakfasts or lunches. We supported one another’s ministry, as well as were able. I was familiar with these women. They were familiar with me. Yet, I feared rejection. They gave me no reason to fear. I brought it to the assignment all by myself. And now, I would have to face it! Making the list was the easy part. I came up with a list of about ten names. I successfully connected with seven pastors’ wives, while playing phone tag with three others. Trembling, I made the first call hoping to get voice-mail. Instead, she picked up right away. I asked for a time I could speak with her about something God placed on my heart. She said, “Let’s talk right now!” I was not prepared for this response. With stuttering speech, I asked her whether or not she would trust me to speak at an upcoming women’s meeting. Now, imagine me stammering as I requested an opportunity to speak to a group of women. I don’t know of any that speak for a living that stutter! Yet, here I am. I told her of the fear I experienced in calling her at the risk of being perceived as an imposter, and a minister at that! It is interesting that despite the fact that she knew me, heard me speak, and has often validated the gift and anointing God has given me to speak, I still contended with fear! No reassurance offered abated the fear of being an imposter. Not only was I afraid of rejection, but I was also afraid of being perceived as ill equipped, fake, and self-serving. I felt all of that, even though none of it was true. Fortunately, this Pastor’s wife, along with the six others I contacted, knew me. They too, had already heard me speak. All seven enthusiastically said, “Yes!” One said that God had brought me to her mind to speak in the couple of months preceding my request. Another said that she had always desired that I come, but wasn’t sure of the best format. Still another said that she believed this was only the beginning of what God was about to do and that I should come immediately! Within the next couple of months, I spoke to the women in each of these places. Still, even if these women all had refused my request, I would have fulfilled my destiny. God said that if I faced my fear, I would fulfill my destiny. When I initiated the request, despite feeling inadequate, phony, and self-promoting, I completed my assignment. I asked. Whether I was accepted, or refused, my satisfaction had to rest in answering God’s request. This time, the fact that I was met with such enthusiasm was the icing on the cake. And while almost everybody likes icing, sometimes the cake has to be enough. I remember the time I needed to have a sensitive conversation with my husband. My heart’s desire was to have a meaningful and productive conversation. I took care to find the best time, as well as to manage my words and demeanor. Despite my preparation and optimism, I still feared his response. The discussion ended abruptly when, after registering objection, my husband left the house. I was crushed. I lay on my bed and cried. I asked the Lord what I could do to mend things. Softly, I heard God say, “Make his favorite meal.” That meant barbecue chicken in the slow cooker with cabbage, and potatoes. I went to the store, got what I needed, and prepared the meal. I made it many times before. So, it was easy. Upon texting my husband to let him know what I made, he quickly let me know that he wasn’t hungry and did not know when he would be home. I was devastated! I ran back to my bedroom, flung myself across the bed, and cried a completely new set of tears. Here is the dialogue between God and me that followed: God: Who told you to make his favorite meal? Me: You did. God: And I thank you for making me a meal. I am well pleased. Me: But it didn’t mend things between us. God: Outcomes belong to me. It is enough that you made the meal. It was not a waste. The Christ life is about obedience to God. Responding to God had to be enough for me. This is especially so, since I didn’t get the outcome I desired. We can do the right things, the right way, at the right time, with the right people, and the right motive. But this does not always guarantee that we will get the right or desired outcome. Outcomes belong to God! Paul makes this clear in I Corinthians 3:7. He writes, “So then, neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. God determines the outcome of a thing!” This is freeing. All we have to do is our part. And sometimes our part is simply doing the right thing for the sake of doing it. Knowing we cannot control outcomes liberates us to focus on what we are doing presently. For instance, God’s will is always to heal us. How God accomplishes His will varies from situation to situation. Sometimes, He heals through the restoration of health in this life. At other times, He heals through death. Why does God choose one method for this one and another for that one? Who knows? But we can know with certainty that God knows what is best for us. Moreover, He works all things together for the good of those that love Him! I remember Julisa. She was diagnosed with stage 4-breast cancer. Back in 2011, Julisa was given 12 to 14 months to live. I remember her fear and her prayer. Julisa feared not being around for her 3 young children. The thought frightened her more than death. In spite of that tremendous fear, her prayer went something like this: “Lord, I know it is your will to heal me. And I trust you will do this. Thank you for healing me.” Julisa continues to live and defied the doctor’s prediction. She is healed. What stood out against the backdrop of the fear of not being present for her kids was Julisa’s love for God. She was fully persuaded that God would heal her body. But Julisa left it up to God whether He would do so in this life and fulfill her desire, or whether He would do so by removing her from her body via death. Julisa admits that, “Sitting in the room with Jesus and cancer has been easier some days than others.” Still, she clings to the belief that the outcome belongs to God. And then, there is Sharon. I also had the privilege to experience her journey through breast cancer. What is remarkable is that she also believed God would heal her, and left the method up to God. Today, Sharon travels across the...