by Sally Matheny
 |
| Live Fearless |
What are you afraid of? At some point, I think we all have feared something. And we dealt with it in different ways.
But, do you know
someone who has an unusual amount of apprehension? So much so it regularly affects their lives?
I know a woman who is terrified every time the sky
darkens with a pending storm. I have a friend who must have every detail
prepared for Plans B, C, D, and E before even attempting Plan A. Another friend
fears the worst whenever a family member isn’t feeling well.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of
America, “more than forty million people in the U.S., ages eighteen and older,
suffer from anxiety issues.”
Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson, was
one of those but has discovered a way out of those statistics. She shares her
journey from fear to faith in LIVE
FEARLESS: A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose, published by Thomas Nelson
this year.
The book, while written for the young adult audience,
packs enough ammo an even older audience can use it in their arsenal against
fear.
The hardcover, 200-page book includes special features in
each chapter challenging readers to consider and apply the things Sadie has learned to
their own lives.
She includes helpful suggestions for those who may be new
to praying.
One of my favorite features is the “Work the Word”
sections because as Sadie says,
“God’s Word is always able to change our lives, shift our perspectives, and empower us to live in freedom and victory” but “it won’t happen just because we have a Bible on a shelf or even go to church and open the Bible to read along with the preacher.”
We have to “work the Word” by reading it, studying it,
and choosing to believe it’s true in addition to talking to God about it and
asking Him to use it to transform our lives.
I also like the quotes highlighted throughout the book
because they are true gems.
Here are a few.
“The key ingredient to overcoming fear is not just speaking to it, it’s speaking to it in Jesus’ name.”
“When we’re afraid, we have a tendency to pray and ask God for peace before we’ll step out and do what frightens us. But most of the time, we simply need to move forward.”
“The enemy is afraid of your becoming everything God wants you to be.”
In addition to asking questions for readers to reflect
upon, Sadie includes hands-on practical advice such as how to find a godly
mentor, how to talk with unbelievers, and more.
Time after time, Sadie nails it by presenting the truth
of God’s Word. And I’m not talking about one verse inserted at the beginning of
a chapter. The book is saturated with scripture and Sadie dives right in
talking about it and applying it to life.
The book is interesting as she shares her experiences and
fears from her childhood, teen years, and her young adult days on Dancing with the Stars.
But the focus in the book isn’t on what Sadie Robertson
has done. She continually directs readers to her Redeemer and points out what
He has done.
I really like this book. It is a positive resource pointing
to truth and the power to live fearless.
I’d love to give a copy of this book away to one of you! All
you have to do is leave a comment below.
What to say?
Tell us an area of your life you want to live more courageously.
Share a helpful scripture for those who may be struggling with fear. Or simply
type another word (or more) that mean fearless!
I’ll draw a random name from all those who comment and announce
the winner on Thursday, May 24.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Autumn Celeste! Congratulations Autumn! I'll be in touch on where to deliver your book. Thanks to all who commented. There will be another giveaway soon!
Autumn Celeste! Congratulations Autumn! I'll be in touch on where to deliver your book. Thanks to all who commented. There will be another giveaway soon!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book
free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I want to live more courageously by not being afraid to go out and share the gospel! I feel like so many of us are afraid to tell others our testimony or about God because we are afraid that we are going to offend someone but, we need to quit allowing fear to keep us from witnessing! One reason that has really smacked in the face and something that I have never thought about before is this..Every second two people die without Jesus and in the end they are rejecting Christ the king of the World. If I can be a blessing to at least one person or if I can witness to at least one person it is so worth it in my opinion. So, this year I am trying my hardest to face my fears and not allow fear to keep me from being a witness to others! One of the verses that I love and that has really helped me face my fears is found in Ephesians. Ephesians 6:19-20 to be exact and it says this.."Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Wow! I don't know about you but this verse makes me want to go out and share the gospel to everyone that I meet! Doesn't that just get you excited?! The next time that you are out shopping or just out in your backyard and you are afraid to share the gospel or share your testimony just read this verse to yourself out loud or just take a moment to ask God to help you and give you the words that you need.♡
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts, Autumn. I love the verse you chose in Ephesians. I think it emphasizes one of the key points to overcoming our fears--prayer. Unfortunately, some think prayer is some kind of abracadabra incantation to get things to go our way. Prayer takes practice but it's simply building a relationship with God through speaking AND listening. Reading the Bible regularly also builds that relationship and opens our eyes to the magnitude of God's love for us. And you're right. Who wouldn't want to share that? Praying for us all to have victory over fear. Thanks for stopping by, Autumn!
DeletePhillipians 4:13
ReplyDeleteYes, Rebecca. That's a great verse to battle Satan's arrows of fear! "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
DeleteThis sounds like an awesome book! I would love to read it! I have many fears but I have to learn how to overcome them. For example, speaking in front of an audience was scary at first but as I continued to do more engagements my fear fizzled away. Each time before I speak I turn to the Lord in prayer. I actually just wrote a blog about that! Here’s that link:
ReplyDeletehttps://thepaigeproject.org/paiges-pages/wise-like-an-owl5/17/2018
Sally, you’re awesome! Thank you for sharing!