August 14 // At The Movies - Castaway

Living Fearless

Why isn’t it like it used to be?  

Why can’t I move on?  

“If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact, not to be solved, but to be coped with over time.”     - Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres

1st Fact: We’ve all been affected by trauma.

 O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer!  From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.    Psalm 61:1 - 3 

2nd Fact: It’s been a struggle.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.     2 Corinthians 12:8 - 10

3rd Fact:  You belong to God.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.   So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.       Romans 8:14 - 17

4th Fact:  Fear is a liar.

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.     James 1:13

1st Decision:  Solidify in our hearts who we are and who God is.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.      Romans 8:28

2nd Decision:  Take ownership of your life.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.     Ephesians 6:12

3rd Decision:  Get on the right path.

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.       James 1:6 - 8

 4th Decision: Who you will believe

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.      2 Peter 1:4 - 8

Thermostat or Thermometer?