It is so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that month 3 and our time in South America is coming to an end. In just a few short days we will start our multiple travel days to get to Cote d’Ivoire. As this month in Peru has been wrapping up, I find myself feeling a bit more anxious. As I was praying into those anxieties and wandering through my Bible just trying to find verses to calm my nerves, I landed on Jeremiah 29:11.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My rapidly beating heart slowed as I read this verse over and over again. I had read this verse countless times throughout my life, but this time it was really sinking in.
Fear and anxiety has been very prevalent throughout my entire life. This current season, being back on the field, the Lord has reminded me of all the fears I have gained freedom in. My biggest fears range from; fear of leaving home, fear of the unknown, fear of getting sick, fear of flying, and fear of leading. These very fears are ones that I face everyday in this current season.
I got to a point this month where I realized that I had one fear that was much bigger than the rest; the fear of not fully living. If I let those previously stated fears dictate my life, I would be feeding into the bigger fear of not fully and freely living. Trusting the Lord helped give me the strength to push through the other fears that seemed so big as I was growing up, and this month I was able to celebrate those victories.
From being afraid of sleepovers as a kid, to leaving for 11 months to do the World Race.
From being afraid of eating certain foods that could make me sick, to eating a raw sea cucumber straight out of the ocean with the locals in Indonesia.
From being in tears during turbulence on a flight, to trusting that the Lord will take care of me.
From avoiding opportunities to be a leader, to saying yes to leading this incredible squad for 5 months around the world.
All of the instances above took risk, but if I chose to avoid any of those things, I would have missed out on the freedom and joy that came from stepping out in faith. In all those instances I also learned more about who the Lord has created me to be. Although I am still learning how to step out in faith, I am so thankful to be in a season where fear isn’t in control. Yes, I still feel anxiety from these things (and currently anxious about the many flights coming up), but I know that the Lord has me in His hands.
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Proud of you… and how you are living your life to the fullest.
So glad you shared this – so clear and relatable too. You have a beautiful heart, one that fights hard!! Love you, sister.
Jeremiah 29:11 has been a theme for a while now. Glad you were able to receive and share some deeper revelation on this verse. Keep trusting and pushing forward in rest!
You are an amazing young woman. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I can relate in a different way and different circumstances.
I love Isaiah 41:10 and one I rely on quite often.
??
You are an amazing young woman. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I can relate in a different way and different circumstances.
I love Isaiah 41:10 and one I rely on quite often.
??
Thanks for sharing all the ways our Lord is helping you overcome your fears; with the Lord on your side you can do anything! Blessings to you as you continue to walk in HIs way!