“Sometimes fear shows up like an uninvited house guest on our doorstep with a cute little suitcase packed full of lies. Before long, without planning, we are chatting over cups of hot coffee, swapping stories, letting fear feel quite at home. Fear understands us. Fear wants to spend time with us. Fear prefers us. And suddenly that suitcase full of lies finds its way not just into our homes but our hearts as well.
Our fears may feel larger than life, but they are not larger than our all-sufficient God who is engaged on our behalf. Whatever you might be face today, this is truly His heart on the subject of fear:
‘Fear not, I am with you. I will strengthen, help, and uphold you.’ (based on Isaiah 41:10)
I think our hearts crave connection with God. We were made for it. He knows this and yet does far more than we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). The beautiful by-product of God’s presence is the possibility of community with other women. When my heart connects with God first, I no longer worry about comparison or rejection from women who might not understand my own struggle with fear. God actually draws others into my messy story because that is where the sweet spot of connection happens naturally.” (excerpt from Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement from the (in)Courage Community)
This past year I was invited to be a tiny part of a new book by the (in)courage community.
Saying yes was the easy part.
Writing it was a little tougher. I was asked to write on Isaiah 41:10 and I came face to face with my pretend friend named: Fear. At that point, she had moved right in and was taking up valuable space in my life. I needed to send her packing. AGAIN. Which is the embarrassing part. I have to keep doing that. Sigh…
As it turned out writing this small piece for the (in)courage book was a gift to me because I was reminded once more that my fears are not bigger than God. He is enough.
The fabulous people at (in)Courage also teamed up with the super talented creatives at Illustrated Faith. They do the most beautiful journaling kits. And now you can get one based on the Craving Connection Book. They were sweet enough to include my words on the page and now all these lovely ladies are tagging me on Instagram with their stunning designs. I may have asked them all to come and color in my Bible, too.
(Comments and the giveaway are now closed! Thank you!)
Today you get a chance to win a copy of both of these items. One winner gets the whole deal. A Craving Connection Book and a Journaling Kit. Just leave a comment here. And I’ll pick a winner at random. (Winner will be notified by email on Friday 2/17/17: Giveaway only available for those living in the USA. Sorry far away friends!)
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Love this blog post. I’m afraid fear likes to pester me too. But God had not given us a spirit if fear, had he? But one of power, love, and a SOUND MIND! Warrior on…
P.S….lovevyour awesome giveaway…and your insta account
love this thought today. ‘God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (something like that!) thanks for your blog!
I loved reading Craving Connection and I’d love to have the journaling kit! 🙂
Thank you for this post as fear is something that I let hold me back from God’s best. I’m praying that I trust God and will overcome it.
Yes! God certainly is enough! Love reading your blogs!
Craving connection is on my to be read list! I am thinking of asking on facebook if anyone local to me does bible Journaling…I think it looks fun!
Haven’t gotten my hands on Craving Connection yet but sure would love to! *wink wink!* Always so encouraged by you, Stacey!
Would love to read this!
Fear can be an ever present enemy. It can visit us in the dark of night or in the light of day driving to work. But God is bigger we just have to let him be God let the Holy Spirit dwell in us and walk in peace.
This is so timely for me! Would love to read this book!
I have already given away two copies for Craving Connection and would love another.
Would love to win this!
This would be a blessing…. Thanks k you for all your posts.
Craving Connection is on my “must read” list and with all these little peaks at the content, it makes me even more excited to dive in!
“Our fears may seem larger than life, but they are not larger than our all-sufficient God who is engaged on our behalf. ” Amen!Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. Have heard a lot about this book and would love to read it.
Such a great post – thank you! I just bought a wall decal that says, “Let FAITH be bigger than your fear!” That is my goal! I want to abide in Him so that I can cast out the lies!
Would LOVE to win this!
Fear, yes, it can be so debilitating. This book looks like it would be full of encouragement. We truly need other Christians to walk this road well. Blessings!
Connection with the Almighty God?! YES, please!
Stacey, you are loved and appreciated!
On my to read list!
Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
Would love to win this. Thank you.
This would be a huge blessing in my life. Fear often creeps in at night and my mind plays the “What if” Game.
Fear is something I struggle with a lot. Though I try to overcome sometimes it gets me. The struggle is real. Would love to win!
This is a great post. I would love these books.
I am so excited about this book and yes, fear is something I struggle with especially in relationships.
Love the journaling sets from Dayspring. Thanks as always for these encouraging words!
As a single mom, battling fear is a constant struggle. I love your blog. Keep up the great work!
Fear has been a companion of mine recently. I have come to rely on this scripture and others to remind myself that my feelings of fear are not reality. Truth is that God is not a God of fear, but of love and power. Time to send fear packing!
Sounds like a great book! I love your depiction of fear as a “friend.” So insightful!
What an awesome giveaway!
Fear is very sneaky. Most of the time I don’t even realize it has taken root until it’s too late. I’m working on trying to identify it ahead of time and dealing with it right away. Love you and your encouraging words!
I think I need this book!
Fear feels like my constant companion lately – trying desperately to shake it.
Fear is a big theme for me! But my God is bigger than my fear!
Thank you for sharing this post! Just today I’ve been thinking “do it afraid!” I hadn’t heard of these kits before but would love to try it!
I’d love to win this!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Absolutely wonderful giveaway! I’d give it to my daughter she’s had a hard time the past few weeks in school. She sure could use some cheering up!!
Thanks for the reminder that God is enough. Something I need to hear often. I keep hearing about the Craving Connections book – guess it’s time to check it out. 🙂
Craving connection is a great way to put my struggle this last fall. Looking forward to checking out this book either by winning it 🙂 or by getting it myself. Blessings.
I would absolutely love all of this. I am so afraid for the future of one of my children. I know she’s in God’s hands, but I am still afraid for her.
Your posts have really mentored me in a way that truly is a divine intervention. He is using you to do great things.
I am searching for something like this for myself. I’d love to give it a try.
Looking forward to reading the book. ?
Craving Connection is on my wishlist! I would love to win a copy of it as well as the Bible journaling kit. Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for writing on Isaiah 41:10. It’s been a powerful scripture in my life
I love when I am introduced to items that follow God and that i haven’t seen yet.
Thanks Stacy!
This is so beautiful! I would LOVE to win this! 🙂 🙂 I lost my income 3 months ago & so for the past 3 months I have been living off of my savings. Perhaps this would cheer me up. It would at least be a blessing! 🙂
How easily my mind goes to and sits in fear! And for too long, when I have ever-ready help and grace.
God has brought about a crossroads for me this past whole year…I am wandering trying to find His best path. I feel shut down on most paths, and can become so fearful that I will be stuck in this forever-wandering place. But Habbakuk and Stacey and God’s word remind me that there IS a plan, He knows it and sees me, and praise God He IS closing doors that are not good paths. Thank you for your words that show others understand and are making it through. <3
I am very familiar with your friend , Fear. She visits me often too. With much practice i”m learning to to tell her I’ve found a new friend, Trust but it’s a work in progress.
Thank you for your timely words! It’s so hard to remember that God is really there with me / us even though we can’t see him there…
Sometimes I find myself just thinking about what horrible things could happen to my family, children, husband, etc. I know we are not supposed to fear but with all the junk on the news and in social media it’s hard to ignore it. I would love this book and the journaling set to help me out!
Love to give it a try!
Would love to win!
Thank you for reminding me that God is enough.
I have been so blessed by your books, I’m so grateful for coming across proverbs 31 ministries. Fear has lingered around me for many years and in many ways, sometimes almost paralyzingly me. God is faithful and I know He is on my side! Be blessed as you continue to allow God to use you!
Love reading your writing!
When I first read the line “I think our hearts crave connection with God,” I was instantly reminded of Lysa TerKeurst’s book “Made to Crave.” I totally agree that when I am feeling lost or less than or as though I do not belong it has nothing to do with my connection with my earthly friends or family, but rather my lack of connection, communication or belonging with my Heavenly Friend (Father).
Oh, fear! I thought I had kicked my houseguest to the curb last year, but I am realizing she left behind a lot of baggage and makes an appearance every couple of days to pick up something she forgot.
Thanks for this. I loved Fresh Out of Amazing” and Craving Connection is next on my list to read. I’m almost scared to try to Illustrated Faith stuff–which means I NEED to try it.
Fear and anxiety are not usually things I put into the description of me but we have had so many things, good and big things, coming together all at once and anxiety has creeped in. I love the journaling Bibles and hope to have a lot more time for this soon. Thank you always for the encouragement when I feel ‘fresh out of amazing’.
As someone that struggles with anxiety/worry, I know that “friend” fear. It is behind every panic attack, every anxiety filled moments when my brain is racing with what-ifs. The worst part about fear, is that most people don’t realize you struggle because it is mostly all in our brains in certain moments. Sometimes its even hard to describe what exactly it is we fear. But God… ( I love those words!) God is above all struggles, he is with me through all struggles. In the moment it feels like I am alone but his word tells me TRUTH… “THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, the Might Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
I have been eyeing this book ❤️ I am definitely in a low season where I am really struggling to make those sweet connections. Fear has taken up living quarters in my heart too and tends to stop me dead in my tracks more times then I’d like to admit. After reading this post God help me to realize it’s because I’m looking to everyone else to make a connection with but God has been waiting there for me to make a connection with Him ❤ Holding tight to this scripture. Thank you Stacey for your beautiful words ?
So excited for this one. Would love to start journaling. This would give me the push I need.
What an awesome giveaway! I am afraid I constantly have to send fear packing as well. Or at least hide her in a closet for a time. But fear is constantly hammering on the door wanting to be let out.
Have often wanted to try the Bible Journaling things. But never learned scrapbooking. And it all looks so beautiful and intimidating. See?? Fear again. Sigh. Great post!
I have been praying for strength to avoid fear since the beginning of this year. However today has been one of those days where I hear it at my doorstep trying to get in. This fear is due to many details that will eventually be the deciding factor between my family and I having a home to call our own. Thank you so much for the reminder of Isaiah 41:10; it is exactly what I needed today 🙂
Such a powerful message for something so many women struggle with. I have this entire week. Sigh
Love your writing and would love to win!
Fear is something I deal with on a daily basis. Thank you for this inspirational post!!
What a fabulous, relatable description of fear! Wow! Fear has moved into my life in such a way that I can picture it sitting on my couch watching tv with me while sharing a bowl of popcorn. It’s frustrating and excruciating at times! I am working on giving it the boot and it’s so nice to realize I am not alone. Thank you!