tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279535229845672016.post4401989744713028533..comments2010-09-18T17:11:47.567-07:00Comments on Living Fearlessly Discussion Group: Lesson 1: Why Are We Afraid?Pastor Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05542714077708982260noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279535229845672016.post-36392619062123994742010-07-13T18:09:53.922-07:002010-07-13T18:09:53.922-07:00For me I am afraid of heights and small crowded pl...For me I am afraid of heights and small crowded places like elevators. But an empty elevator whizzing along in a 30 story building is not problem!<br />Along with Karen I fear speaking in public, especially in church. But yet 1/2 of my career was been in teaching, training or running meetings-does that make sense?<br />Even this year when Bob was diagnosed with cancer I wasn't really afraid since I knew the risks and we discussed the possibility of dying. But when he contracted the MRSA then I was afraid that he would not make it. <br />So as Lucado says that fear is when we can't control something I think for me at least there is the element of irrationality. <br />Pastor Jeff's story illustrates to me how much energy we put into accomplishing a single event or step in the journey that when we reach the next level we are unprepared. I have felt this way spiritually many times-looking back and wishing that I had turned things over to God much sooner.Pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436656987676269661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279535229845672016.post-74795418526000551482010-07-13T11:06:20.323-07:002010-07-13T11:06:20.323-07:00I think that our physical and emotional energy pla...I think that our physical and emotional energy play a part in all of this. Back in 1992 I was at a camp where we had a "Ropes Challenge Course." Unfortunately, I spent 10+ minutes wrestling around trying to get up to the first level... it took so much energy that when I finally got there and had to traverse a rope... I was wiped out and just got stuck in the middle. A group of friends had to rescue me and get me down off that 20 feet above the ground. Now, if I had started there, would I have breezed across. Don't know, but I sure would have had a better chance of doing so. What would be a similar concept in our spiritual lives?Jeff Mohrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14129816897573780135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279535229845672016.post-45353993815852574022010-07-12T18:31:55.351-07:002010-07-12T18:31:55.351-07:001) Spiders scare me! It's funny - I can handl...1) Spiders scare me! It's funny - I can handle daddy long-legs. But a spider with thicker legs - look out! Seriously, a fear that I have had to conquer is speaking in front a large group. I have turned this fear over to God since you can't very well preach without being in front of people.<br /><br />2) I think back to the first months of Celebrate Recovery. My fears of speaking, giving the message, and leading the worship service were huge. Knowing that this ministry was something that was going to help those struggling with hurts, I was able to step out in faith and with God-given courage.<br /><br />3) When my mother was dying. Everything at that time seemed so chaotic and out-of-control. There was nothing that I could do but just keep showing up at the hospital and praying for strength. I knew Jesus was with my family and unstirred by what was going on. Not that He didn't care, but that He was there every step of the way.<br /><br />4) Every time I have been fearful of something, I have prayed for God's hand upon me. I think of the many times I have stepped out in faith, and how God equipped me, sustained me, and provided what was needed (not necessarily what I wanted). When I let go of my fears and let God guide me, I am always amazed at how truly awesome God is.<br /><br />5) Ken's last surgery where they accidentally punctured his heart while putting a filter in his vena cava. This was merely a preventative procedure to ensure that blood clots would not travel to his heart. They had to do emergency open-heart surgery. Jesus spoke to that storm as the day progressed and the days that followed. I felt a peace that surpasses all understanding during that time.Pastor Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05542714077708982260noreply@blogger.com