Fear vs. Afraid.

“He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

- Deuteronomy 31:8

• Fear - an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.

• Afraid - being unwilling or reluctant to do something for fear of the consequences.

I was a horribly fearful child. Most of my childhood years were spent peering around the leg of my mom. We had a family reunion photo from when I was around 7 or 8 years old, and all you can see are my eyes, because the rest of me is hidden behind an older cousin.

The Lord has done a huge transformation in my life to let me lead Bible studies, talk with people remotely and speak in front of groups. My younger me often sits at awe at how far the Lord has brought me.

So, through this season my old friend fear is creeping back in. He is trying to take my joy, and he is trying to paralyze me. And then I heard a message on fear vs. afraid.

See fear is a healthy thing at times that protects us from danger, allows us to take necessary precautions, and keeps us safe. BUT, when it turns into being afraid, that is where my momentum forward stops. When I am afraid, I dig in my heels and will not move forward.

To be transparent, I have had many moments of being afraid in this season.

Then, I remember my Father. My Lord and Savior. My Abba and Heavenly Daddy. He did not call me to this ministry to just forget about me. He has also gifted me in other gifts that I can utilize if need be. He is a trustworthy Father that will hold me through those moments of fear.

So yes, we are all facing fears, but my prayer for each of us is that wewill not let it linger into being afraid to move at all. When that feeling of being afraid washes over us, then the enemy wins.

Please know you are not alone in this season. Even though I have not met many of you face to face, I am praying for each of you daily.

May you know the Father’s peace today, Ashley