I’m so excited about the new series we’re launching this Sunday at Cross Point Nashville entitled “Paralyzed”.
I have a feeling many of us are entering into this new year with a sense of fear.
Fear of failure.
Fear of unknown.
Fear of financial crisis.
I would love for you to complete this sentence. Going into 2009 my greatest fear is ___________________.
If you’re in Nashville I hope you’ll join us for the next six weeks as we explore how we can overcome many of the fears that are holding us back from becoming the people God has created us to become. If you’re not in the area than you’re more than welcome to join us online.
You can now subscribe to our audio or video podcast RIGHT HERE.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/2731967]
So what’s your biggest fear?
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is uncertainty in many aspects of my life.
My biggest fear is that my life will be the same 365 days from today.
Right now I am staring into the fear that God will not show up in our lives. My husband has made some really bad choices and I feel as if I am being made to pay the consequences for those choices. I’m tired!
Before I finish the sentence – is that music from the Batman soundtrack?
I love the Spiderman web thing in the video.
Ok…back to the point….
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is being paralysed by fear.
After really making several courageous and for me, risky steps in 2007. In 2008 I managed to undo all of that by being introverting because of hurt, feeling let down by God and letting emetophobia take over. Basically in 2008 I was the biggest coward around!
I didn’t go to South Africa last year not because I was afraid of being killed in riots or something but I was afraid in case someone threw up on the plane or I got a stomach bug while I was there. Ridiculous huh?
My greatest fear…saying no to Him.
Fear of doing nothing, fear of stasis. Good question. Can you also give me the answer to my fears?!
I fear that I will never learn all I am expected to learn on my new job.
I’ve been in sales for MANY years, and now I have taken a job doing office managment at a car lot. HUGE amount of paperwork and details (2 things I hate most in life!) So much to learn, I’m feeling a bit fearful and overwhelmed!
I’m serious, it’s scary for me.
I could use ANYbody’s prayers.
Great video. I loved the part where you said fear will try to lead us, but we don’t have to follow!
As 2008 drew to a close, I made the decision to stop letting fear lead me. I’m starting by facing my financial fears and getting that aspect of my life in as much order as a person can these days. It’s hard. I have to face that I’ve made some mistakes and formed some bad habits.
But there are so many other ways I have let fear lead me all my life so that I am not living the life God is calling me to. I find that I give things some effort, but that I hold back in order to give myself a mental “out.” If I haven’t really tried my best, then I can say that’s why I failed. Whereas if I give things my best effort and still fail, I have to face that maybe I don’t have the talent in certain areas that I have prided myself on having, kwim?
That’s going to stop in 2009!
that Pete will never have his sermons podcast and I will need to always have my computer to listen….puhleeze?? Or am I just missing them in iTunes store? Or perhaps it’s a business decision (as in none of my business?)
That being said, I fear my adult kids will never be happy in the “season” they’re in, and that I will never stop blaming myself for the child-rearing mistakes I made. Oh why did I spoil them so? Such a disservice to them and HIM.
….that I won’t have the guts to do what He wants me to do.
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is becoming fearless…because that means I will be stretched and uncomfortable.
My 2nd greatest fear is the 26.2 miles I will run in April and not being able to raise the money I committed to raising for cancer research.
That I will lose someone I love (death)…
I am currently reading Joel Olsteen ” Your best life now” and am so afraid that I will not hear GOD. Fear of doing the wrong thing because I didn’t know that was GOD talking.
I fear fearing man more than God.
wow…where to begin?
….afraid of being afraid of everything
….afraid of reclaiming my old self
….afraid of not having enough courage to make the changes happen for the above two.
Praying for courage…..
I’ve lived out several fears over the past tens years of my life. It isn’t that things “won’t happen” to us, it is how will we handle it when they do happen. The thing I cannot stress enough is to not be paralyzed by fear and not taking care of things and letting fear win. Never let fear win or you won’t come out on the other side. God will see you through everything…..EVERYTHING!
My biggest fear is that I will be a poor example of Christ to my family. I so want them to know, accept and follow Him.
Going into 2009 my greatest is that I’ll spend my time on unnecessary worrying – about our business (construction), our son (college freshman), life in general. My worries – these monetary and emotional fears – last year left me paralyzed and I didn’t do things and go places I should have and could have gone because I was always worrying. They say hindsight is 20/20 so this year I’d like my foresight(?) to be as well!
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is failure.
Hmmm… Probably just not knowing what to do with my future. Which direction to go. And I’m afraid that my indecision will keep me from going anywhere. And of not knowing God’s will for my life and doing the opposite.
My pastor preached on fear this last Sunday too.
I agree with Eric but more specifically my fear is a bit beyond failure…my biggest fear is somehow missing the voice and direction of God in my life.
Prayed in ’08 to live RISKY…afraid in ’09 I won’t sink into His answering my prayer.
My greatest fear for 2009 is taking THE step. You know… the step that lays down ALL my own selfish desires and wants and truly open my heart and life up and commit to God.
For a year I have felt God tug at my heart, my life, put a stir inside me that I am still trying to seek exactly what it is He wants to do with me, my life. I know I will always be mommy first to my 3 little girls in this stage of life but I feel God is wanting to use me and I truly need to make the commitment, take the step.
BTW… the video is awesome, the whole spider web thing. So cool and representing the trapped feeling we get from fear. Thanks.
My biggest fear remains – doing something dumb that brings disgrace to Jesus and the gospel.
I don’t typically operate with fear driving me. I got Jesus driving my life. With that said, there are some issues that satan tries to get me. At this time, Husband has a good job at our local hospital, so his job is secure (and YES I thank Jesus for this security, daily!) Where satan does try to get me down is our path of adoption. it is a looooonnnnnngggg process and satan tries to tell me daily that God will never be bringing children to our home. I KNOW that satan is lies, and God is truth. I choose to follow God’s truth. daily.
my greatest fear is that nothing will change…that at the end of 2009 I will be in the same place that I am now.
I just realized I didn’t answer my own question.
I would say mine has to be a fear of failure.
I’m working on a project right now I know God is calling me to do but it has the potential for public failure. That friends, scares me to death.
that my daughter’s severe health problems will not be cured/healed.
Not doing what God wants me to do (trying to do it my way instead).
…toads and large frogs. Weird, I know – but when I was a kid I always ran around barefoot and I’ve step on a few. Nothing gives you the heebie-jeebies like squishing a giant toad with your bare feet. Ewh. I just grossed myself out.
My biggest fear is that I won’t have the energy or commitment to apply what God has been teaching me about being connected as part of the church body. And I mean the REAL teachings from His word.
It’s scary big and I don’t know, at this point, if I want to take that step. Or if I can take that step. I am afraid it will be more than I or my family can manage… and yet, I also know that is where God’s greatest blessing may be waiting.
Sometimes obedience is a tough, tough thing.
Fear of spinning my wheels…..not getting anywhere…..spiritually, emotionally, financially. I would like to grow as a person this year…..I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.
My biggest fear is that I won’t have the energy or commitment to apply what God has been teaching me about being connected as part of the church body. And I mean the REAL teachings from His word.
It’s scary big and I don’t know, at this point, if I want to take that step. Or if I can take that step. I am afraid it will be more than I or my family can manage… and yet, I also know that is where God’s greatest blessing may be waiting.
Sometimes obedience is a tough, tough thing… especially when it involves more than your self.
…I will continue to live with a lack of faith and fall short of being the person God wants me to be. Why can I not achieve a faith so solid that I don’t know fear?
…..my fear is that my husband will be still under this deep depression and suicidual cloud.
@Katdish, I have a friend (she reads this blog) who is also totally freaked out by frogs. Maybe you guys could start a support group or something.
@Kristi O, I’m so sorry.
Will you guys join me in praying for Kristi O and her situation today?
@Kristi O, my thought and prayers are with you.
I recently wrote a post about taking fear of the table: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/off-table.html and I have to say it has absolutely changed my day-to-day life. I know there are a lot of things I can’t move forward and do, fear or not, but not having fear taunt you in the back of your mind is incredibly freeing.
For the first time in a long, long time I have to say that there is nothing I am afraid of. Ok, so I don’t want to die, and driving in the rain scares the you know what out of me, and I’m a little nervous about passing college algebra this coming semester, but I’m NOT afraid. I have the lord on my side. ’nuff said. Feels great to be able to say that.
praying for you and your husband Kristi O.
Just like @Harold, I fear of being the same a year from now…in the same place, doing the same thing, getting the same results.
@Katdish I have the same fear! No kidding… when I see a frog, I am literally frozen in my tracks because if I take a step and he jumps in just the right direction… yuck. Maybe Pete’s on to something with that support group thing… I thought I was alone.
@Kristi O – praying for you!
Well, I found out yesterday I am pregnant!! So happy! But anyway, I guess I would say I a fearful of the delivery for sure!
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is that I will let fear control my decisions.
@Heather – that’s awesome! I’d love to hear how you got to that point.
(oh… and super geeked about crosspoint on itunes!)
…that we’re never going to get out of our rut of wait on the Lord, receive blessing, change nothing, get right back into hardship and wonder why.
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is …. trying to be perfect.
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is… that the cancer is not gone. I dont want my children and husband to only remember me being bald and sick.
@KatDish… Ok, I am going to admit this. I am scared of frogs. I hate them! They are so slimy and unpredictable. My hatred came from watching one slide down slowly on a glass door. Ugh.
@katdish I stepped on a frog BAREFOOT when I was camping at about the age of 10. I share your fear (and add to that some disgust). I still feel it under my foot every time I see a frog or toad. Yes, a support group is definitely in order. Ribbit.
My biggest fear is that I will not have to courage to leave my comfortable place I am currently serving in and step into the unknown place that I feel God is calling me into to.
My fear for 2009 is that I will still be stuck here in this place that I am in b/c of the fear of failing. I fear doing what I think God is calling me to do and it not being really where he is calling…it being more of my own wants/desires. I fear leaving what is comfortable & everything I know. I fear that this time next yr I will still be saying the same thing b/c I was too scared to step out and take a risk.
I think my biggest fear in 2009 is to not do what I need to do in order to please God.
Wow. Who knew so many people shared my aversion to frogs? I was asked to design something for a ladies retreat a few years ago with the acronym: F.R.O.G. – (you know, fully rely on God). I’m all like, “What wrong with the old school WWJD?” I know God made frogs and toads and they are beneficial to the earth, yada, yada. But he also made fire ants, mosquitos and those freaky little lizards we have down here in Southeast Texas that are translucent with brown spots. Who, incidentally, always seem to run straight to the door jamb when I open a door to the outside, which is why I have dried up squished lizards on my front, back and side doors. Cuz there’s not enough money in the world to make me touch one of those things…
Don’t you just hate it when people stray off topic?
i’m going to be the first to say this–not having enough money.
i know that money shouldn’t be THAT important to us, but when it comes down to it, we all still have bills to pay. i’m a college student. money was tight last semester, but will be as tight if not tighter this semester, due to the fact that i now have to pay for part of my loans DURING the semester. when summer comes, i’m not guaranteed a job (where I worked last summer got completely remodeled and i do not know where anything is or how to work the new registers, so i don’t really have any advantage over anyone else applying). The next step in my life also requires money, and i have no idea where that is coming from. My heart knows to trust God, but my head worries about paying bills and such.
btw i will be watching this series online–it definitely sounds interesting. i kinda wish i was closer to nashville so i could see it in person, but a video of it is fine.
and the background music reminded me of pirates of the caribbean, but that’s just me
My greatest fear is that I won’t have grown in every way by this same time next year. I want alot of aspects of my life to be totally different. And In my own strenght, I know it won’t happen. But with God, I know it can.
@Rachel, I’m with you. I think I have a fear of mediocrity in my life.
my greatest fear of 2009 is not moving forward… being content rather than desiring growth in my life.
My greatest fear is never meeting the right person and being single forever!
biggest fear… not hearing the voice of God. i mean if you hear the voice of God (and follow it) then shouldn’t everything else be taken care of?!? btw sweet promo!
Mine is rejection! Rejection of firends and family!
First of all…I’m praying for Kristi and her husband.
Secondly, no surprise here Pete, but I’m afraid of not being where God would have me. I so want to walk this thing out with Him. We are today. Learning so much but I don’t want to go or move or do outside His will.
Happy 2009.
My biggest fear is that I am not living up to my resolution of kissing your butt like all your minions do. I am hoping with time I will be able to do this.
@Rebekah Walker, That is so awesome. Congrats on the pregnancy. We’ll be praying for a healthy baby!
I all seriousness, my biggest fear is beginning to take life to seriously.
Stepping outside the box and keeping God in the box. Faith..is mine strong enough. Trust…will I trust God enough. Love…will I let God love me enough. I could go on but then I would start getting referals for therapy.
My greatest fear for 2009 is worth. I don’t know if I’m good enough, and I don’t know if I will be in a year’s time.
…my wifes cancer returning.
If I open this door the list could go on forever…can’t wait to hear the series…
(Praying for Kristy O and her husband…)
First off let me say that I am uber excited about getting the podcasts on itunes…I can take them with me and listen..woo hoo!!!
Second my fear….I fear letting go of what is comfortable to me and going into the unknown. I fear making the wrong decision….I fear being rejected…
@Jody, we’re praying for you and Karen.
@S. we’re excited to be able to provide you with this resource.
going into 2009 my greatest fear is that i won’t trust god.
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is not having a baby yet again this year. Its been 10 years of trying and wondering when God’s will fulfill His promises.
Failing God
It will be interesting to see how pride of man parallels to our own fear. I know for me, if I am willing to really look at my own fear deeply, it’s in the end (usually) a pride thing…whether we know it or not. God bless. ~Lauren Cook, Community Bible Church
Did anyone notice that besides frogs
most of us feared not having the courage to follow God or not having the ears to hear His leading?????
Does this mean God is calling this community towards something remarkable, because I sense many are on the edge of a move of God!
I have to decide this week whether I want to take a new job in the automotive industry consulting directly with GM. I currently work for a steel company, so it’s not a lot different, but the new job would be a better job as long as it stays around.
My biggest fear of 2009 is that I will be raped again
@Elizabeth praying for your healing ang peace. Hope you feel that God’s got you.
@pete – thanks for the podcasts! Heaven-sent.
thank you bloggy friends for praying. his name is Mike he has been in a mental hospital since July. Today though there was a lightness to his voice that is new. When that happens its a gentle reminder to me that God is still with us and that prayer works. My fear is truly that I won’t see the hand of God. Intellectually I know God is always with us… but at times I get so distracted by Mkke’s mental illness I don’t see it…. so thank you for taking time to pray for us….
@Elizabeth- I am praying you will sense the peace and protection of the Father in your coming and going so you won’t live in fear. He is able. Amen.
Pete, joining you in prayer for Kristi O. and her husband.
May God illuminate His love so boldly before him that the only choice he can make is to run towards our Savior. May the peace that surpaasses all understanding guard their hearts and home May the comfort that He brings ease the pain before his mind and release him from any fears that are paralyzing him this very night. May his mind be cleansed of all desire to take his life – and be replaced with losing his life (Luke 9:23) knowing it will be saved for all eternity. May he know the love of Jesus and all He did for her husband and their marriage. May the truth be boldly spoken to both of them for encouragement, strength and most of all endurance to come out of this trial giving all glory and honor to the Most High God. May His peace rule and reign in their hearts as they humbly come before Him saying we can’t go on another moment without You, we trust You Jesus, we desire Your will and commit our lives into Your hands. Father, we askk all of this for them tonight in Jesus’ most blessed name. AMEN!
Kristi O. read 1 Cor. 6:19-20 we are His holy vessel, bought with a price and we are His.
Blessings,
jill
my greatest fear is….failing to try.
well, it would be easy to not confront my actual fear because posting it is EXACTLY part of the that fear….
fear of man…freaking out about what people REALLY think…if you are liked, loved, accepted.
that and failure.
That we won’t find a place to ‘fit’ in the new church! After being in one place so long, it is really hard to move.
@Elizabeth, I don’t even know where to start to be honest. Please know you are in my prayers. I pray that God infuses you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Kristi O, I will be praying. Having been treated for depression myself, although not as severe as you mention, I know to a degree where you are. The hardest part for me was looking in my wifes eyes and seeing her pain. Please know I WILL be praying. God can do anything He pleases whenever He pleases so trust in Him. There is a reason. There really is. My heart goes out to you.
I struggled with how to reply to this one. It’s good stuff. I remember distinctly, like it was yesterday, the day in January 2007 when God broke fear off of me. I just wasnt’ afraid anymore. That’s how I strive to live. When I get that “feeling” of afraid, I remember what God has said. I cast it at His feet and then I take every thought captive. I am driven to His word and He reminds me that He is in control and all things are for my good … changes my perspective and the “feeling” of fear goes away. I put “feeling” in quotes, because “feelings” can be deceptive, “feelings” are not always fact.
I will say that it is on my mind that I don’t want to miss out of what God has for me or what He is asking me to do. I don’t want to be so busy that I miss His still small voice. Is that a fear? Don’t think so. I think it’s a choice … to stop and make Him a priority so I don’t miss anything He has for me to do or to be … not fear.
P.S. Prayed for Elizabeth. God is so big. May He hold you in the palm of His hand and give you overwhelming peace. And, for Kristi O. May God bring healing to your husband and your family.
@Elizabeth ditto.
The worst though is that this chronic diesease I got diagnosed with last year wont get the better of me and control me for the rest of my life, I fear not getting answers to my struggles.
Going into 2009 my greatest fear is what the merger my company is doing will mean to me and my job.
I can get all panicky about this and cry. But I’m reminded of something my boss reminded me 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 for the future. Jeremiah 29:11
I still cry. But I am trusting He will take care of me.
I fear that more and more brick and mortar churches will continue to grow adding a lot more status quo beleivers that just sit in pews every Sunday judging the way all the other churches do things.
my greatest fear is of declining health and the unknown.
My biggest fear is a financial crisis. My dear husband has a college degree, yet works 3 jobs that have nothing to do with that degree, AND YET his income from those 3 jobs still leaves us as classified as being “poor”. We are on reduced lunches at school and WIC, yet even though income wise we should be getting food stamps, we are unable to due to equity in our home (that we can’t touch). So we are the working class poor, and I fear him losing his job. Financial crisis for our family of six. Keeps me awake at night.
Fear:
I am mortified at the idea of marrying again and finding myself in another unsuspected controlling, abusive marriage. I would love to let go of this fear, so I can actually move forward enough to actually maintain a healthy relationship. This fear was created by a “Nice Guy” that I married and then woke up living in a nightmare. I know that other people have healthy relationships and they have married “Nice Guys”. But, I feel like my radar is broken, because of my poor choice and the few that I had dated after the divorce were not good ither. So, you can see why I feel like this will happen again, to me. I know that God had a plan for my life and on a good day I can see Him providing a wonderful person for me to wed. Unfortunantly, every time I get close to the idea of dating longterm, I start having these crazy fears again and I never go out with the guy again. I call them panic attacks, of course it could also be my guardian angel. I can’t tell anymore and I have been terminally single for 15 years.
…my greatest fear is not doing my part (i.e. pursuing holiness, practicing spiritual disciplines, etc.) to allow the Holy Spirit to continue preparing me for the challenging world of church planting…but i also realize that if God is for me, who can be against me? (it always sounds better telling someone else than trying to swallow it yourself)