How Is It That You Have No Faith?
I don’t understand why, but many of us enjoy seeing others become frightened. Some of the funniest videos I’ve seen are of grown men getting scared and screaming like little girls.
It may be fun to see others get scared, but living in fear is nothing to laugh about.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been an Online Missionary for Global Media Outreach for ten years. Last week, I received the following message from a woman overseas:
Comment/Question: “Please pray for me. I’m going through anxiety, fear of the unknown.”
Research shows that fear is triggered by a loss of control or feeling powerless. With the pandemic, social unrest, and the economic meltdown, the world is seemingly spinning out of control. There are many living in fear because they feel a loss of control and a sense of powerlessness. Since the start of the pandemic, sales of anti-anxiety drugs have risen by 34%. This is on top of the increase of those self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.
![](https://unshakablehope.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/4e4cb0169f3d9-e1597362413289.jpg?w=604)
Thankfully, I didn’t resort to drugs or alcohol, but I remember the fear and anxiety that Mary and I battled when I was diagnosed with ALS so many years ago. Like many today, our whole world was turned upside down. Voices of fear echoed in our minds throughout many sleepless nights. Fear fights hard to destroy our faith and steal our joy, peace, and hope.
When going through difficult times, surrendering to our fears is the greatest temptation we’ll face. If we are followers of Christ, by definition, He is in control, and we are never powerless! That said, we still have our part to play in this war against fear.
I don’t mean to sound like a braggart, but, physically speaking, I don’t know of anyone who is as powerless or has less control than me. But, regardless of our physical condition, most of us will eventually battle those voices of fear and anxiety. Here are a few things I’ve learned about fear and anxiety that might help you fight.
Faith and fear are polar opposites: “And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
To strengthen our faith, we need to surround ourselves with faith-filled people and God’s word: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17).
Fear is a spirit, but it doesn’t come from God: “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7).
The goal of this spirit of fear is to enslave us in a dark pit of depression: “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15).
“God is love,” and fear is punishment: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18).
God will fight with us: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psalm 27:1).
God will strengthen and uphold us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
When battling anxiety, pray and recount the things you’re thankful for: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Fear is a relentless enemy, the battle might be a protracted one, but you will be delivered: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4).
I’ve never counted, but I read somewhere that there are 365 verses telling us not to give in to fear. If there is a “don’t fear” verse for every day of the year, I’m thinking it’s a message God wants us to get.
It’s the things of this world, the visible, the temporary, the “shakable” things that cause us fear and anxiety. Our job, our home, our health, the economy, and so much more. For the follower of Christ, the things of this world are just things. It’s at times like this that we see that things are not deserving of our hopes. The road to unshakable hope is a very shaky one, but you’ll have Jesus with you to hold you up. This narrow road leads to a Kingdom which cannot be shaken! (Hebrews 12:27-28).
If you have not committed to following Christ, what are you waiting for?
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27).
Posted on August 14, 2020, in Uncategorized and tagged ALS, anxiety, Bible, Cancer, COVID, Depression, Faith, Fear, God, Jesus, MND, pandemic. Bookmark the permalink. 134 Comments.
Dear Bill and Mary —
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas!
Your friend,
A. ❤
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He is in control and we’re never powerless. Thank you. 😊
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Wow! How true this is! You’ve hit the nail on the head.
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Thank you, Jennifer.
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I love this article Bill! I battled fear most of my life. I think fear is Satan’s most powerful weapon. I took that weapon away from him 2 years ago when I became saved! I look forward to reading more of your blog. May I reblog this or maybe put a link to it?
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Thank you, Dennis. I love your comment/testimony! Awesome! Fear is a powerful weapon for evil. Like you, I am glad that Jesus is fighting with me. Thanks for the reblog.
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Dear Bill —
A little bird said it was your birthday this weekend. Many happy returns, dear friend! You are an inspiration to us all. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12: 1).
With love,
A. ❤
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Bill,
Wonderful. Thank you. When we walk towards faith in Christ we walk away from fears. I pray the Lord keeps giving your posts into the hands of those who need it most.
In Christ,
Gary
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Amen, Gary. Thank you.
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Hi Bill,
Did you happen to catch our promo for our You Tube podcast. We are looking for people’s ideas. If you or any of your cohorts to send in a clip by Friday that would be awesome. Thanks,
Gary
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The best post I came across today… Amazing❤❤❤
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Thank you.
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Excellent post tons of truth to remind us of where our hope comes from
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Thank you, Carol. I hope you’re well.
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When one is battling ones fear and anxiety and is declared as being in comfort zone, what do you call this? One does surrender to ones fear and anxiety at times when it gets too much but one also tries to get out of it at times. No one likes to stay in the bubble of fear and anxiety. It is no comfort zone.
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It seems strange that someone would make fear and anxiety their “comfort zone.” But I know people like this, they seem to thrive on fear, anxiety, and drama, they’ve made a comfort zone out of it.
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No, it’s like I am battling my fear and anxiety and at times I let go of what is necessary to be done and do what relieves me, gives me peace because those anxiety and fears is killing within. But people say I am making a comfort zone and not coming out of it. I do things when I can leaving behind those anxiety and fears. But I don’t succeed always.
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“Fear fights hard to destroy our faith and steal our joy, peace, and hope.” This statement really stood out to me, Bill. Fear is an enemy that has an agenda and if we are not sober and vigilant, we will succumb to the plots and be ultimately destroyed. I’m so thankful that we have an All-Powerful Savior who conquered not just the grave, but is able and willing to help us conquer each form of fear that presents itself. Hallelujah! 🙌🏽
Thank you for this message today…I’m feeling so empowered tonight in Christ Jesus 👊🏽
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Thank you, Deandra. You are so right about fear having an agenda. As you said, we must stay sober and vigilant.
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Thank you Bill. You are correct, I cannot think of someone who has less control over their circumstances than you, yet you find joy and hope. Bless you and Mary. Your message is needed now! Much love Beth
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Thank you, Beth. I do have joy and hope, but I can’t imagine having anything except depression in my situation if I didn’t know Christ.
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Agreed I don’t know how people do life in general without Jesus Christ, especially when it gets tough 🌷
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I know! Why would anyone want to “go it alone?” I’m going to do my best to introduce people to Christ.
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Wonderful words of encouragement and faith, Bill. And so timely for these unsettled times.
Blessings to you & Mary ~ Wendy Mac 🙂
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Thank you, Wendy.
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Preach it–and teach it–brother!
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Thanks for your encouragement, Mitch.
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Amen! Fear holds us back only if we let it. It’s not easy to let go of sometimes, to give this over to God and acknowledge we need Him. Letting go of control even for a short time is tough. But it is the best decision we’ll ever make.
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You are so right, it’s tough to give up control. It’s a daily thing for me.
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Thank you!
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Thank you for reading.
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Is it just me, or does it seem like a conspiracy on the typical news program to terrify all of us every night? (Just tossing out a random thought …)
Bill, I am so impressed that you have not one but two ministries! Only eternity will tell how many lives you’ve touched with your blog and Global Media Outreach. For all its problems, I thank God for technology, and for people like you who use it to reach every soul possible.
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Yes, Ann, I think the national news terrifies watchers. I don’t know if it’s intentional. I am thankful for technology. It’s a powerful tool. It’s what we do with it that makes good or evil.
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♥️♥️♥️
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Thank you Bill for another inspiring, Biblical, God centred, post on getting through life. Only with Jesus at the helm for sure.
God’s Continuing Blessings on you and Mary.
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Thank you, George.
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Thank you so much for this timely post.
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Thank you, Theresa.
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What a wonderful insight… Thank you coming across mine..
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Thank you.
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Glory to God. We have peace because we have Jesus. 🙌💃
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Amen! Thank you, Mercy.
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You are welcome. 🤗
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What a beautiful post of truth and encouragement. God bless you! 💚
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Thank you, K.L.
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My pleasure
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Beautiful post and so true. We let fear in and forget to look to God.
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So true, Suzanne. Thank you.
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It definitely is the unknown factor that I think causes ‘fear’…. Those verses are good to read over and over. My husband and I are facing another ‘unknown…. There’s been a couple of tests but Wally sees the doctor on the 24th .. a gerontologist who will hopefully have some answers… Our family doctor believes he’s in the hopefully ‘early’ stages of some form of dementia. ‘My fear that I’m dealing with is that I pray it’s not Alzheimer’s because to me that is more difficult to deal with. Could you pray Bill .. just that whatever it is, we will have a peace; and just deal with it with God’s help… Diane
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I’m so sorry, Diane. I think Alzheimer’s is one of the most difficult diseases to live with – especially for caregivers. Mary and I will be praying! One day at a time, my friend. Regardless of what the diagnosis is, His grace will be sufficient.
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Hi Bill… just did a post. My husband’s diagnosis is indeed ‘Alzheimers’. We’re just getting used to it… We’ll be getting more information of course and our children have been told.. Of course they’re not young .. they’re in their 50’s… but I know they will be support… thought I’d let you know… (Diane)
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I’m so sorry, Diane. I’m glad you have family to help with caregiving… Thanks for letting us know. We’ll be praying.
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Thank you so much for these beautiful reminders. We are headed to that Kingdom that is eternal, and He is already here with us to help us! May the Lord keep using your words to point hearts to Him! And may He bring encouragement to you, even as you bless so many others.
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Thank you for your encouraging comments, Bettie. I am so happy that God can use someone like me. The world has no use for me 🙂
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It’s always good to hear from you, Bill. Timely words, indeed. It seems fear has or can become our worst enemy. I’m always happy to see that you’re still here, turning out the good news one timely and thoughtful bit at a time!
Elouise
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Thank you, Elouise. Yes, so many are living in fear. We need to stop listening to the voices of fear – they are everywhere. We need to get deeper into God’s word.
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Thank you Bill for this excellent and timely post. Thank you for sharing that fear is a spirit. I don’t think I had really grasped that until now.
God’s peace to you and Mary.
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Thank you, Crissy. Yes, battling fear is spiritual warfare.
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Great post Bill. Moreover, there is no one more qualified to write it. Many will be blessed for you doing so. Ron
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Thank you, Ron. I have definitely had my battles with fear over the years.
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New to blogging. Please follow me back. Motivational Mommy Magic. Thx
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Welcome to the blogging world.
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Thank you
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Such a timely post for the unstable times we live in. And moreover, brother, scripture tells us unprecedented tribulation will come, so we’d better meditate upon God’s sovereignty and His unchanging precious word.
I might add though, that traumatic events can lead to PTSD and panic attacks. This is not “fear”, it is really emotional damage that truly needs healing.
We look forward to your posts Bill, it’s so good to hear from you! Regards to dear Mary…❤
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Thank you, Lisa. I agree with you about what’s coming.
“I might add though, that traumatic events can lead to PTSD and panic attacks. This is not “fear”, it is really emotional damage that truly needs healing.”
This is such an important distinction. I hope it didn’t sound like I was conflating fear and PTSD. I hope you and Bob are well.
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Love all those scriptures you’ve gathered for us–like vitamins for our spirits! I’m copying down the references. We need a daily dose of such faith-building truth, and you’ve given us nine worthy examples for a start. Thus empowered by the Word, we can send fear cowering to the corner. Thank you, Bill!
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Thank you, Nancy. I love the picture of the dark figure of fear cowering in the corner 🙂
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I like that image, too. I was singing with a friend the other day – “How great is our God!” I actually chuckled when we sang the lines, “He wraps Himself in light/ and darkness tries to hide…”
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Thank you, Bill, for another encouraging and uplifting message. Since I have learned to hand over my fears to the Lord, it does bring me calmness and I am able to continue on with my day and maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn something from it. I don’t know where I would be today if I hadn’t leaned on the Lord in my situation. He has blessed me in so many ways and I am thankful and grateful for His presence in my life! And I am also thankful and grateful for you and Mary in my life. What a blessing you both are to me.
Love and Hugs,
Lynda ❤❤
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Thank you, Lynda.
Overcoming fear is a daily process. It’s more difficult these days. I can tell you are doing better.
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Bill, Thank you for this comforting post. I love all of the scripture references. I especially love that you shed light on the fact that fear is a spirit, and it’s not from God.
We have victory over fear because of Christ’s blood and the powerful name of Jesus!
Blessings to you and your family.
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Amen, Beckie!
I feel that victory and it keeps me going.
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Thanks Bill. Good compilation of pure Scripture against fear and for faith.
Fear is not often recognized, as it should be, as a great enemy. I imagine ever since Adam was removed from the garden due to his rebellion, fear stuck like glue to humanity as did sin, and no one has ever been able to shake either off entirely without the direct help of the Lord. The Lord has no sin and thus has no fear. When a person is thoroughly washed in the perfect Blood of the perfect Lamb, no sin remains and thus no fear remains. So the solution for the fear problem is the same as the solution for the sin problem: A close loving spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus, who is God in flesh, who we can relate to due to His humanity, one who is filled with pure love, mercy, and compassion, who knows us and understands us and wants to help us and be there for us and will be if we do our part in the relationship. As you well know, our relationship with Him is not restricted by any circumstance but only by our own actions. If we give it our all it matches the all He has already given and the relationship is complete. Staying in touch with Him by overcoming all enemies against our relationship with Him is what keeps it going and thriving and, of course, fear is one of those enemies. When we magnify the Lord in our lives by our giving to Him all that we are and have, and worship and praise and thank Him regardless of circumstances, fear fades out. Faith rushes in. God becomes much bigger and bolder than the fear in our lives and we can thus defeat it and not be held back. Then faith in the Lord takes us to the high country.
Blessings to you Bill and Mary. I so appreciate y’all. Thank you for your great witness of the Lord’s love and providence. I’m glad you finally got around to writing something. 🙂
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Thank you for the great message, RJ. You are so right about the power of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. This is how we enter into God’s presence – no fear there. I’m glad I finally got around to writing something, too 🙂
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Fear seems to be a common theme over the last few weeks. I wonder why that is. Has Covid-19 so invaded our lives that we fear things will never be normal again? Is it because it’s back-to-school time and we don’t know from one day to the next if the kids will be in school? And if they go to school will they be safe?
I think it’s all of these plus the loneliness that comes from the type of lockdown we have been under for the last 5 months.
But hear this…God is bigger & stronger than all our fears. Hold tight to Him & He will carry you through.
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Amen! I think there is a lot of fear of the unknown. What will the future look like for our kids and grandkids? I don’t think things will ever return to the old normal.
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😔
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There could not be a more timely post, Bill. So many desperate people are in need of this message. In Christ there is hope, though the world may be shaken.
Love to you and Mary,
A. ❤
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Thank you, Anna. There is a lot of shaking going on in the world right now.
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Thank you for your affirming words- and these wonderful Bible verses!!! I have a huge faith in our Lord- but this is a time of great stress and fear of the unknown for us all- I do not know how folks get through without Jesus!! Now I have some Bible verses to back up my words!!!! Thank you!!
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Thank you, Betsy. Yes, there are a lot of unknown things down the road. If we’re on the narrow road, we’ll get through.
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I’ve often wondered how people who don’t love a Jesus as the Lord of their lives function. Now I see. They really don’t.
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Exactly! A non-Christian recently told Mary, “I use alcohol to cope and you use religion.” To be honest, before becoming a follower of Christ, I thought the same way. I didn’t understand that a relationship with Christ is not religion. Also, alcohol cannot save you from hell. Only Jesus can. It’s the joy, peace, and hope that comes with salvation that gets me through the tough times.
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Amen Bill. It’s amazing the horrible effects fear can have on a person. Medically, fear causes the blood cells to tighten which restricts the levels of oxygen and nutrients that can reach our cells. That I bet is another reason why God says not to fear.
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You are so right, Vivian. I thought about including this in my post, but I thought the post would be too long. It is called Takotsubu Cardiomyopathy. It’s known as Broken Heart Syndrome. It happens when fear and anxiety cause stress hormones to overwhelm the heart and it feels like you’re having a heart attack. Google it, a lot people, otherwise healthy people, are experiencing this during the pandemic.
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Thanks Bill for the info. I will Google this. I deeply appreciate your prayers and posts truly they are a huge, huge blessing! 🌻😊
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Excellent post Bill (as always) and you touched on a subject that we all have wrestled with at one time or another. I don’t think that any of us are immune but the consistency of God’s grace and provision throughout our lives definitely can tip the scales back into the rightful position of trusting in God, regardless or irrespective of. Sometimes it just takes a little longer than others to get back there. Always a joy to see your posts, God’s grace, peace and blessings to you and Mary and your family.
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Thank you, Bruce. You are always an encourager. I hope you and Peggy are well.
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Hi Bill, we’re hanging in there, we can’t play the piano any more but we never could so no major loss. I trust you and Mary and family are also doing well.
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I’m sorry, Bruce. We are doing well, relatively speaking 🙂
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Bill, I am speechless ~ except to continue praising the Lord for you and Mary. Blessings to you both as share your faith ~ the substance of your unshakable hope.
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Thank you, Fran. Mary and I are praying for you and your family.
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Thank you, Bill. They are heartfelt.
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Thank you so much for the reblog, Fran.
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I am not able to post right now, so I want to share yours. Blessings
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Good sermon
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Thanks, Walt. Drive safe.
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Oh yes. Psalm 34:4 was my lifeline through some deep struggles and it is now more precious to me than ever!
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Yes, that’s a good one. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on oldblessedwordpresscom and commented:
Here’s a blog that is most timely. I hope you’ll agree.
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Thank you so much for the reblog.
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You are quite welcome, my friend.
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Bill, here’s comment from Catterel. She’s from Switzerland. She tried to leve this comment on your website. She asked that I pass it on: “What an extraordinary testimony. Thank you for reblogging. I was unable to leave a comment on Bill Sweeney’s site so please pass on my very best wishes and thanks to him,”
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That is an encouraging comment. Thank you for going to the trouble of sharing it with me.
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This is a great piece! I’ll definitely reblog it.
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Thank you.
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Many helpful thoughts here and comforting verses! God bless you for sharing.
Sadly, it happens that people can miss the first step on the ladder of faith, surrender, and can’t seem climb higher. This happened to me when I was young. I wanted to be a Christian — and thought I must be one. When I actually surrendered my life to the Lord at age 21, I learned how much difference there is. Over the years, with the Spirit’s guidance, I’ve been able to deal with my anxieties and learn to trust.
As to the current pandemic, I feel that after having been told by my doctor five years ago that I had leukemia, a virus just doesn’t have the power to shake me. Having seen family members die a slow death of cancer, dying of a virus doesn’t frighten me. I wonder if people live so much on the edge of fear all the time (fear of violence, terrorism, financial disaster) that they tip over into major panic when something new comes along? Or if we focus on this, all the other fears will fade into the background?
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Thank you, Christine. I think you’re right, it’s the new threats, one after another, that overwhelm so many.
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A very encouraging post. Fear is not a good place to live in. I read in another post that God tells us to not fear and He substantiates that with a reason – do not fear because He is with us.
May His presence with us strengthen us and leave no room for fear.
Thank you for sharing this Bill 😊
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Thank you. Fear is definitely not a good place to live. I don’t like even going there for short visits 🙂
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What a great way to start the day, EVERY day Bill! “Fear is the opposite of faith”. Love to you and Mary and the kids.
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Thanks, Ed. I agree with you – we need to be conscious of the voices of fear every day. I have been “fasting” from watching the news.
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Amen! Thank you so much for that encouragement to have faith versus succumbing to our fears. So many times I feel like Peter when he walked on the water to go to Jesus and then he got so scared. Thankful for such an ever present faithful and merciful Savior who has given us so many precious promises!! Thank you for sharing a bunch of these promises with us brother Bill and His strength and grace in your life to have faith in the midst of uncertainty. God bless you and your family abundantly in Him!!
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Thank you, Michael. I have been there in the boat in life’s horrible storms when it seems that Jesus is asleep… Fear rushes in. He never sleeps, Michael.
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I hear you. I love that! He never does slumber or sleep! What an amazing Keeper we have in God (Psalm 121)! Thanks brother Bill!!
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Thanks for the encouragement. Fear always wants to take over in the world and in our lives. Thank God for the victory we have in Jesus. You are always a blessing, Bill. Prayers and love to you and Mary.
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Thanks, Meghan. You’re right, fear is constantly trying to barge in. There is an equally destructive voice called confusion that is very active today. He was there in the garden with Adam and Eve.
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Confusion and fear. A deadly combo. May we shine our lights brightly for Jesus to illuminate that darkness. Thanks Bill. 🙂
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Amen! We avoid the voice of confusion by making God’s word the last word.
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Praise God. Your posts bless me so much.
I really needed to read this one. My aunt died a few days ago. I miss her so much. She was brilliant, a high school English teacher, with a genius IQ. Her late husband had earned several doctorates. He was the President Emeritus of a college. And yet my aunt seemed more intelligent than her husband. Until two years ago, that is, when it became apparent that my precious aunt had Alzheimer’s disease. Within a few months of the diagnosis, she had forgotten everyone, and she could no longer communicate.
My mother, my aunt’s only sibling, has dementia very bad, too. And I have been feeling a lot of fear. Fear that I, too, will lose my memories and my intelligence. My IQ was tested by Mensa years ago. It was 156. For so many years, my high IQ was my identity. Who would I be without it?
Thank you for reminding me that fear is a liar. Most of all, thank you for reminding me that my identity is in Christ, not in my physical or mental abilities.
Thank you.
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Thank you, Linda. I am sorry about your losing your aunt. I ain’t gonna be takin one of those there IQ tests 🙂
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You are the wisest man I know, Bill. 😊
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Faith over fear for sure.
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Amen!
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Bill, these are powerful reasons not to fear. There is only one fear we should lean into…in doing so, we find that all other fears succumb to it … the fear of God! Thank you for going though this hard work of writing and encouraging us. I know I speak for many … we value and treasure your wisdom poured out here!!! Hugs to you and Mary!!!
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So true, Heidi. I love this Oswald Chambers quote –
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”
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This is such a powerful quote, Bill 🙌🏽
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God is not Love. It is what he does.
-2we1ve
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I’m just sticking with what the Bible says, Quincy.
1 John 4:8 – The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:16 – We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
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God is love.
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Bill, Your words are always an inspiration to me. God bless and keep you, your wife, and your family forever. Thank you for showing us the way to release fear and grab onto the faith of God. Richard
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Thank you for your encouraging comments, Richard.
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Thank you for this, Bill. I’ve saved it in my notes. Love you and Mary♥️
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Thank you, Becky. Love you guys.
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