Facing Down Fear

Those who know me, know I'm terrified of spiders. Especially huge spiders. This spring I've been seeing invaders in my house. How they get inside baffles me! The one I ran across last night in my lower bathroom was easily 2 inches with his legs not fully extended. *big shudder*

In the past, I would have screamed until my hubby could get downstairs and "save me." But, I've had to give up that luxury. The only way to get rid of the spiders now is to kill them myself. I CANNOT bear the thought of feeling something smoosh beneath my feet. I can tell you that bug killer sprays might slow down these huge arachnids, but they do keep on moving.

I knew if I walked away, he might disappear, but he would also still be in the house. I would be fearful of seeing him again...maybe crawling up my pants leg. This is the WORST fear I have about spiders.

I had to face down my fear. I did it wearing my clunky, heavy waterproof snow boots. I tromped that big guy, actually picked up the carcass with a wad of toilet paper and flushed him away.

Facing our fears helps reduce that fear exponentially each time we do it. However, my fear of heights is another matter. I don't imagine I'll be doing any bungee jumping in the future.

Holding Tightly

I'm in the middle of a very enlightening Bible Study by Beth Moore, Believing in God. I've taken several of Beth's studies, but this one has been a personal journey of faith for me. I've been looking inside myself and identifying the reasons I lack the faith I want, need, crave to have. The self-discovery has moved me to tears on many occasions.

Last night, Beth shared something that will resonate within me forever.  I know it, I knew it, but I'm not sure I truly believed it. God will never leave us.  He will never let go. 

Why does my faith falter?  The answer is within me.  It's what I fear I am or will be.  The devil is looking always for the weakness in me, the one I harbor as a fear of who I truly am, and he actively goes about confirming that! But, God has me tightly in His grip. And He has you tightly in His grip!

Picture what Beth showed us last night. Your arm is extended and God is gripping tightly to your forearm. But, your hand is not gripping His. That's when the devil is working on you, eating away at your self-doubts, your fear of failure.  Now take your hand and put it tightly around that of the Lord. Grip with all your might. As long as you are holding tightly to God, the devil will be defeated.  You are who God says You are.  You are His beloved child.

My shield of faith from Beth's study says:
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's word is alive and active in me.

I'm believing God!!

I hope you are, too.