God's Prescription to Overcome Fear, Worry and Anxiety a 3-Day Plan by Alisha WalkerSample

Are You Conditioned to Fear?

Fear is a natural reaction. Everyone has something that they're afraid of, like spiders, snakes, and scary movies. Fear occurs when we perceive something that can be harmful to us or a threat. We feel fear when we anticipate something negative will happen to us. Fear can make you feel out of control because it can set off your fight or flight response.

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline (abilities that result in calm, well-balanced mind and self-control)

This verse talks about how God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but have we allowed ourselves to be conditioned to fear? Fear is a natural response to things that scare us or things that we perceive as harmful or a threat. Sometimes, though we are fearful of the unknown, things we can't control which can cause us to worry and even become anxious, we feel these feelings in this instance because we are worried, fearful, and anxious that something negative or harmful will happen to us. So, in turn, what happens if you're concerned something negative will happen? You avoid it.

Has there ever been a time when there was something you were dreading at work, at home, that conversation you need to have with your spouse? What happened? You worried about it. You may have even avoided it. But avoiding it very often makes the issue worse by conditioning you to fear. For example, you and your spouse have had arguments about money. Because of this, whenever the issue of money comes up, you anticipate that there's going to be an argument, and you worry about things escalating. As a result, you avoid having any conversation about money, which gives you temporary relief because you didn't have to talk about money and escaped having the argument. However, by doing this, you are essentially conditioning yourself to fear having conversations with your spouse about money. This same scenario is playing out all over the Body of Christ in relationships, at work, and in the calling that God has for your life. Is there something that God has called you to do, and you haven't done it because of fear?

Deep down, you're afraid of what the outcome might be, then you worry that you're not living up to God's best for you, and you become anxious when thinking about it, so you avoid it altogether. This works to soothe your fear in the moment, but there is a restlessness and anxiousness in your soul because you know that you're allowing this fear to keep you from fulfilling your mission, your purpose, and your calling. Ultimately, the enemy uses the spirit of fear to rob us of fulfilling our mission and walking in our calling.

Even in these moments, be anxious for nothing and make your specific requests known. Cast your cares on Him.

What is your specific prayer over that thing you've been anxious or fearful about? You know, the thing that you've gone down the negative what-if cycle and have come up with every worst-case scenario? Yes, that thing. Pray specifically about that issue and then be grateful for the outcome even before it comes to pass, believing and knowing(having faith) that whatever way God decides to answer that prayer, it is for your good.

Application / Reflection:

1. Pray a specific prayer over that issue you identified on day 1.
2. Cast this specific care in faith on God.