What's Your Biggest Fear?

I've mentioned before that I joined a women's small group this summer and we are working through Beth Moore's study on the Book of Esther.  I couldn't help but being struck with conviction when we got to the part where we started studying Esther 4:16.  In Esther 4:16 Esther is quoted saying (about trying to stop King Xerxes from killing off all the Jews in Susa): "and if I perish, I perish."

Let that sink in for a second...

Esther was fully prepared to do what she felt she should do regardless of the outcome.  She had tremendous fear that the King would dismiss her, worse yet, would order her to be killed (she approached him without a summons).  Do you think she got that strength from herself?  No way.  That mindset, that determination, that trust and faith comes from a power MUCH bigger than she.

Let me spend a bit of time quoting Beth where I was really convicted (I hope I don't lose you here):

"Once we are in Christ, Satan has no authority to destroy us, so he settles for the next best thing: threatening to destroy us...
Our natural human defense it to grovel before God and plead with Him not to let our fears happen.  Our conditional trust not only makes us an open target for enemy torment; it also positions us as negotiators and beggars before God instead of secure children who trust their lives to their faithful Father.  Those times when our fears become reality we feel devastated.  We think God is unfaithful, and Satan essentially gets what he wants - us to believe that life is over.  Unless our belief system changes, for all practical earthly purposes, it is.  After all, as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).  
Don't misunderstand.  I'm a huge proponent of praying AGAINST what we fear and FOR the desires of our hearts.  I also believe we're free and safe to voice our worst nightmares to God.  In times of crisis and demonic attack, however, our vulnerable souls need something more.  The most critical breakthrough of faith you and I could ever experience is to let God bring us to a place where we trust Him - period.  We don't just trust Him to let us avoid what we fear most.  We trust Him no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us.  We have no greater victory and can render Satan no harsher blow."




Not only was I feeling convicted by this, but I also found it to be true in the lives of one of my sweet friends and sisters in Christ this week.
Meet my friend, Libby:

About a week ago she was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  I'm sure that if Libby (or her husband, Justin) had to tell you what one of her fears would be, she would tell you that this could be amongst them.  You see, Libby is young, newly married of 3 years and a mom to a beautiful 6.5 month daughter.  MOST importantly, she's a believer in our Lord and Savior and she trusts Him with her life no. matter. what.  I could keep going, but I really urge you to head over to her blog that she created to share this experience that she believes is all a part of God's plan for her life.  There you can find her story and prayer requests. I hope that you will add Libby, Justin and baby Ava to your list of prayers and that God's healing and peace might be abundant in their lives.

(click the picture to go to her blog)

I've been humbled and shaken by Libby and her response to everything that is going on in her life, it has been a blessing for me to see how much she trusts in our Lord.  I pray that when I'm faced with my fears that I might have a response as Beth discussed and as Libby (and Esther) is demonstrating.  I know you won't leave Libby's blog without feeling God's presence!