Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Fear of Man

A few months ago Curtis and I got to attend a church planting conference. It was a great weekend and you should see how many pages of notes I took. We learned so much.

At one point I joined all the other ladies in a session led by some pastor's wives. I sat at a table with a leader and we had some small group discussions. I spoke up about something and I remember that sweet, wise pastor's wife responding to me about the sin of the fear of man. I was kind of confused because I didn't see how what I said would have led her to believe I was struggling with that sin. But she pulled some index cards out of her Bible with verses that had helped give her freedom from the fear of man and she handed them to me. (I've lost one of them but the other one has Leviticus 26:4-13.) I didn't quite know what to say at that moment, but I stuck them in my Bible and brought them home. Honestly, every time I thought about it for the next few days I kinda scratched my head and said, "That was weird!"

We had our vision casting meeting for our church plant just two weeks later. That night was incredibly exciting. I couldn't even sleep for thinking about it. It was the climax of a year-long journey that changed the direction of our lives.

Then Monday morning came. We started hearing from those in attendance. Some were already in 100%, others were interested in taking next the step with us to see, and still others had questions. There were some that we didn't hear from right away. My mind would wander into the "what are they thinking?" zone.

I suddenly felt naked and vulnerable in front of everyone I knew. It was a very emotionally charged time. Positive things that people said made us feel so great and anything the slightest bit negative made us feel very low. It was a struggle to keep my mind steadfast on Christ and not be swayed one way or another by what so-and-so said or what I imagined they were thinking. It was hard.

I remembered those index card verses that were sitting in my Bible and I pulled them out. I realized I had taken a big, giant plunge into the waters of the fear of man. God was showing me how miserable I would be as a pastor's wife if I did not get victory now. Needless to say, I was very grateful that God had revealed this issue to the woman I'd met at the church planting conference.

I would like to tell you that this stronghold has been conquered and I am free of it as I sit here typing. But I am struggling! I've felt so weak in my belief that God is going to build this church. I begged Curtis to pray with me this morning. During prayer the Holy Spirit showed me that my faith is being held captive by the fear of man as well as by my desire to justify myself and my family to others in everything we do. I started weeping and confessing my sin as we prayed. I told God I'm finally letting go.

Curtis spoke truth to me that I have been trying to find a template that we can copy for our church. If we could just do that then it would answer some questions for me and I wouldn't have to operate in faith. In my search for this template I am bumping up against all kinds of conflicting ideas and it is stealing my peace. Conflicting ideas don't have to steal your peace, but for someone with fear of man issues, that's how it goes. It's like I want to line up behind someone who's already doing this successfully and have them pat me on the head and say, "Yeah! You're doing it right! Good girl!" What am I, nine years old? It is hard for me not to be disgusted with myself after writing that.

I have been a first born people pleaser my entire life. I did not recognize myself under the description of "one who fears man," but now I see that it is the same exact thing. It's also idolatry. Yikes!
_____

As I finish this post it is a few days later. Praise Jesus, I feel free of this sin. My faith and joy are back. It seems like the stronghold has been disarmed. I'm sure I could re-arm it but I am desperately clinging to my Savior and my freedom. I wouldn't trade the lightness of heart that I'm feeling for anything. Even for approval. Please pray that God will seal this victory in my soul.

When we are bogged down and held captive to sin, the thought of ever being free can seem impossible. I think of when I was about 18 years old and living in major disobedience in a relationship God couldn't bless. I did not want to give up my sin. I saw no way out of my situation, so I just wanted to manage it and keep it. I thought freedom would be too costly and difficult. It took a long time for me to be miserable enough to repent and surrender. But when I did, Jesus's forgiveness was sweeter than anything I'd ever tasted. The freedom from guilt and fear was glorious. It was like losing 100 pounds off my body and 10 years off my age.

Maybe you have felt that way before. Or maybe you are suffering in captivity to your sin right now. My friend, I want you to know that Jesus is ready and willing to set you free. Your freedom may come overnight, but it doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes our freedom comes when we keep confessing and keep confessing and roll out of bed onto our knees in prayer before those chains can get a grip on us for the day. That is how it was for me when God brought me out of that relationship.

Friend, He is able.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19).

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:13-15)

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:27-31)

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

67 comments:

Ashley said...

See, this is exactly what I am talking about...this is a great post. As long as you remain free to confess that you are struggling, it cannot hold you. I've said it to my friends til they are probably sick of hearing it...there is power in confession. For you, and for others. I can't explain why, other than things kept in darkness, keep us in darkness, too. You and Curtis will have an amazing church...and it will look like the two of you, like the way the Holy Spirit works in you. It will be beautiful.

Allison said...

I just love to read your blog and hear your insights! Sending you hugs.

Candra Georgi said...

As a first born, I feel you---fear of man is a struggle. Thanks for reminding us, it's actually more than a struggle, it's bondage---it's sin!

Putting ourselves out there is always so hard. We're up when they love us and our ideas [or writing in our case] and we're down when they are quiet, or worse...have something critical to say.

Oh the joy and peace that comes from letting ourselves only write, live, start a church---for Him.

Nicole said...

From one people-pleaser to another,

Thank you for writing this post. I have struggled with this same thing my entire life, but never thought of it as a fear of man. It makes perfect sense.

I was reminded of a verse I memorized in college when I was working at my church.

Galations 1:10: Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

For some reason the Lord has put you and Curtis at the forefront of our (me and Justin) minds, hearts and prayers. Know you are being covered in prayer. We are excited to see how the Lord is going to use both of you!

R said...

I'm going to re-read this again more carefully later when I'm away from the news blaring on husby's TV, but I just felt like I had to thank you for being obedient in the Spirit for sharing it. I have no idea how it applies to my life yet, but God has used it for some reason He's not revealed yet. I was on the verge of tears reading it. And I am so compelled to pray for y'all!

Emily said...

Wow- I needed this tonight. I am struggling right now- in a similar, yet different way. Makes sense, right? :) I know that reading this blog at this moment was something that God wanted me to do. Thank you for sharing.

cwilliams94 said...

What you said about wanting a template for success so you wouldn't have to operate in faith hit me right between the eyes. I couldn't name my struggle until I read that. We love security, don't we? But security is often just a pretty word for faithlessness. Thanks for speaking Truth--I've got some confessing to do!

leviandheidi said...

So remember awhile back when you asked people who read your blog but had never commented to make a comment that day? Well, I was a lurker then (that word sounds so creepy to me, though, and I don't think I'm too creepy in reality!), and I remained that way mainly because I was too lazy to make a comment! Well, my husband and I are also church planters in AK (we started 11 years ago at age 21 & 23 -- yes, we were crazy -- but we still consider ourselves to be planting -- I don't know when that stage ends???) and I KNOW I struggle with fear of man as a people-pleaser. Someone can suggest an idea to me of something we should do at church and I almost immediately agree, even if we tried that exact thing previously and found it wasn't effective or practical, simply because I want to make them happy. (I know that was a terrible run-on sentence!) And wowsers, you should see how I struggle when someone is unhappy with my husband as the pastor. So all that to say, would you mind sharing the verses that were on those index cards?!?

Well it's official! I'm no longer a lurker, and I feel so free! Now if I could just come to Houston and meet you and your mom and your sister that would be great! :) Thank you for sharing your life on here. I know God has used you and other blogs I read (or possibly lurk) to work in my life.

Megan said...

I loved this post. I struggle with the same sin- the fear of man, I mean. And I would love to read the scripture that the woman gave you if you could post that. Thank you!

Shellie Paparazzo said...

Oh, wow, Amanda, I have the same problem. I want everyone to love me! When you called it idolatry (I've called it that myself before) it stabbed me in the gut once again! I've lived this way my whole life! Every compliment and I'm soaring and every criticism (or perceived criticism) and I'm ready to crawl in bed and call it quits. Are those scriptures at the end of the post the scriptures she gave you? I guess if God can set you free, He can me too! I sure hope He does it soon. I just seem to just keep crawling back into that pit.

Rachel said...

Oh, Amanda. I am fighting a very similar fight myself. First born, have to do it "right" and be on the "right track" has come home to roost...I was at a place of wondering if I was even saved. What the heck?

I have a wonderful, gifted friend who sent me some questions to ask myself and work through with the Lord. It has been so freeing to get into his Word and deal with this. I definitely feel lighter but not yet completely free. So thankful for this encouraging post to keep pressing on and pull this out at the root.

Thankful for you!
rachel

Amy Storms said...

Love this, Amanda. I'm a pastor's wife and pastor's kid (and pastor's grandkid, now that I think about it :))....People-pleasing and approval-seeking is so stinking tough. Hang in there, and many blessings on your new branch of the Body!

Anonymous said...

Being in the ministry my whole life, this speaks volumes. I have worked through the fear of man for a long time. Most of the time, I walk in that wonderful freedom you write about but when I least expect it (my guard is probably down), the enemy will throw that old fear right back on me. Thanks for the scriptures. I look forward to being armed and ready for the next time this may happen.

His love is strong said...

It's been a long time since I've last commented, but I've still been reading your blog and really enjoy it. Thank you so much for sharing this. I have struggled with fear of man for way too long and have a set of verses that have been gathering dust (and need to be used!), but I was wondering if you would share the six verses given to you?

~Amy 7634

Lindsay said...

I'm glad that the chains are gone, and that you're set free from that stronghold, Amanda! Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Praising God tonight for your deliverance. :)

Marc and Charity said...

People pleaser- that's me too. Thank you for this.

mije said...

Love what you wrote.
This book has helped me immensely, I definitely recommend it:
http://www.amazon.com/When-People-Are-Big-Small/dp/0875526004

Sue said...

Your post is right on with what God is dealing with me about, the fear of man. Everything you wrote about this rang true to me including "my faith is being held captive by the fear of man as well as by my desire to justify myself and my family to others in everything we do." Even the "first born people pleaser" THANK YOU so much for being transparent enough and not being afraid of man :) to share this. God has used this post to confirm what he has already been dealing with me heavily for a while now and I just didn't know how to get over it other than to keep stepping out in faith doing what He has called me to do and to talk to Him about my fear. I found your blog through LPM.

Tara G. said...

"The template" search reminds me of Blackaby's Experiencing God concepts. Appreciating your honesty, identifying with it, and praying you'll continue to move forward with great peace and confidence!

lawsonbl said...

Amanda...can you share the verses that were on the index cards? Or were they the ones at the end of the blog?

Kim said...

You are going to make one amazing Pastor's Wife! You have no idea how much I just learned from you this morning and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Are the verses you quoted at the end the ones the lady gave you? If not, would you add them? Please.

It just gives me chills all over to think of how God is going to use YOU.


Blessings
Kim

Amy said...

Long time reader, but first time commenter. I just have to thank you for your transparency. I, too, am a first born people pleaser and the "fear of man" has been crippling me, especially during the last few months. It's such an encouragement to know that I'm not alone in this struggle, but most importantly, to know that there is victory in Christ over this. Thank you.

Kelsey said...

Great post! God is going to use you in a great way because you said, "Yes" to him. He's already getting you warmed up by having this fear. I'll be praying for you and your family as you go through this new experience.

Unknown said...

You have simply busted my people-pleasing self. I didn't realize it could be a stronghold of fear, nor a sin. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

I think this applies to me in being a women's leader in my church. Sometimes I'm wondering if I wouldn't rather not put myself into a position to receive negativity (women can certainly be mean--myself included)...but since God called me to it, I'm going to forge ahead and cling to Jesus the whole way. Oh, that I wouldn't be Peter and start focusing on the storms instead of Jesus. Please, Lord, help me in this.

I do have a question...in the paragraph just before the verses of scripture, you state: "Sometimes our freedom comes when we keep confessing and keep confessing and roll out of bed onto our knees in prayer before those old chains can find their way back on." Did you mean to say find their way off? If not, could you explain what you meant? I'm a little confused.

Oh, and Ashley hit something on the head. There is definitely power in confession!

You are a blessing, Amanda!
Rebecca

Melody Joy King said...

Thank you so much for sharing this Amanda, and for your honesty and transparency. I too am the first born girl in my family and have struggled with being a people pleaser my entire life. So many of the things you shared resonated in my heart and mind. My Mom used to always say to my siblings and I when we were in high school, "If you're going to offend someone, make sure it's not God." Such powerful truth there, and a freeing one at that. Thanks again for sharing Amanda, my heart was blessed, challenged, and encouraged! ~ Melody Joy

JustJess said...

Amanda, thank you for being bare and helping us who aren't always so courageous! So many of us firstborns (hint: me!!) struggle with this. And I think it's also a stronghold for the enemy for those of us who come from families in the ministry (me again). I've seen people destroy and hurt my family and it gives unnecessary fear. I thank you for your verses and encouragement and I pray the Lord will take this fear from me as well. Thanks, again!

Jennifer said...

Thank you so much for sharing this. Like a lot of the ladies that commented, I too am a firstborn and have that horrible way of wanting to please everyone and make sure everyone is happy. Never thought of it as a sin, but wow! I need to focus on what is best for myself with God and my family.

Church Lady said...

Thanks Amanda, I really needed to hear that today.

Melanie said...

Thank you for sharing this! As a fellow first-born people-pleaser, the Spirit recently revealed to me, at 33 yrs old, the specific words "fear of man" which I would have NEVER come to realize on my own. I'm not a worrier, so when the phrase first came to me, I just kept thinking, "What in the world? I'm not a fearful person! Gotta be something else." Nope, clear as day, He brought my IDOLATRY out in full view. Still working out how to rid myself of it. I'm like you, I want a template, and that's just not how God seems to work!! We gotta learn it His way! Thanks for this encouragement, and for being an "AMEN!" to what God has been saying to me already!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Amanda! I totally get the meaning now. :)

Is there anything in you that wants to write a book? I know I've mentioned it in passing before, but your voice and writing style is so captivating. You wrap me in completely. I fully believe your voice is used to transform lives--and will continue to do so as you journey along with God.

Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca

Kristen said...

Oh sweet friend, I can only imagine what would run through my mind if I was in the same place. But, so thankful for the victory in Jesus that you experienced. I keep thinking of what Curtis said Sunday morning about staying in my own lane...what the Lord has for MY life, not comparing, being content, not worrying about the opinions of others.
Praying and love you!

Holly said...

Mmm I am not first born, but very much people pleaser. Tortuous way to live. Surely day by day He is setting me free. I told you once you are the Lord's anointed. I hope you will always live in the light of that truth...free to live in the light of who you are in Christ. If the Son sets you free...

Wish we could talk over coffee, Amanda...praying for you both. God is setting you up for success every step of the way.

About to go face my own struggle...at the ymca. Pray I will be obedient this time. :) holly

Beth@Not a Bow in Sight said...

Oh- I've got major First-born struggles over here too. I've got that protective streak in me too- to protect myself and my loved ones- which can come out as ugly sometimes. yuck!

We are starting a new ministry at our church and something has been gnawing at me- now I know exactly what it is- Fear of Man. Thank you for being the tool God used to show me what I'm struggling with.

Blessings,
Beth

Hopeandarrow said...

Thank you so much Amanda. From another first born church planter's wife!

Emily said...

This is powerful...thank you for sharing all of it!

Missy June said...

Amen and amen. It is possible. It is worth it. It is often a lifetime of a battle. Thank you for the reminder.

I well know that weight of relesed burden, it is glorious!

Marni said...

I am a constant reader, but an almost never commenter, of your blog.

Today, I am a commenter.

I am sitting in my office, just crying up a storm after reading your post. I am about to get up and close my door so others don't call 911 ;-)

I have struggled with your same sin my entire life. I didn't start to see it for what it truly is until recently when I began reading "You Can Change; God's Transforming Power for our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions" by Tim Chester. Then God showed me how my fear of man is causing me to stumble left and right and worse, to dishonor God.

It's a process. I'm not done, but I'm walking toward victory. Some days, I take giant steps back, but I truly feel I'm making forward process. As someone who understands this sin, I'll definitely be praying for you. I'm already rejoicing for you and can't wait join you in this freedom!! :-)

Thanks for sharing.

Patti said...

I've never directly been a part of planting a church, but it seems to me a very calming prayer for the early days might be "quality, not quantity; quality not quantity.."

Because the goal is true disciples, right? That takes lots of time and tenacity. Jesus had THREE years with his small group of guys, and look how much they still had to learn.

True community should be marked by struggle, and many little deaths along the way.

John said...

I wrote this scripture in my spiral notebook last week. From the Message- Proverbs 29:25 The Fear of human opinions disables. Trusting in God protects you from that.

So simple yet so true.

Alison said...

I could not get enough of this post. Wow.

Molly said...

LOVE LOVE THIS! Loved the prayer time you had and full out healing. Loved smiling when I realized how GOD has blessed your life, I love looking back over HIS goodness.

What an amazing point concerning the fear of man. Sometimes I can be the (wo)man that stands in the way of GOD's truth. I fear me. Still a snare.
The Leviticus scripture, I looked up, GOD knew it to be at that very moment what I needed for an entirely different subject. HIS HEALING RAIN came down.

Thank YOU!!!!!! Sister! Thank you!

abirdcalledhope said...

It will all work out. I remember that stage where we weren't sure if our church plant would work out less than 2 years ago, but God made it work and I can read these posts and look back and laugh at our fear of it not working. You'll be able to look back and laugh too, I promise! The last few months have been the hardest time for me since we started the church plant, and your posts about your church plant have helped a lot, reminding me how faithful God has been through our process, and I know He will be just as faithful through yours.

God bless,
Elizabeth

Unknown said...

Reading your post reminded me of our journey to plant a church...joy, fear, excitement, hesitation...everything at once. The most challenging...as you said...not using the same template we had always known...

There are whole people groups right under our noses who look just like us who have yet to be able to "hear' the gospel for one barrier or another.

Blessings to you, sweet Amanda. May the Lord be your guide alwasy...trust God, respect your man, and remember that you entering warfare like you have not known before...going to the dark with the light can be overwhelming at times. Greater is He that is in you than the one in the world.

Love and prayers!

IncenseAndMyrrh said...

As I was reading this-- I was trying to define what "fear of man" was, and came to the conclusion 'people pleasing' and then as I kept reading, you pinned it that way and I thought 'yes!' I was right... I've been there and through that and hope to never continue...

Kelly Seelow said...

I love your honesty

Karen said...

Thank you for sharing your heart!

Karen L. said...

I totally forgot to thank you for your post! so.... THANK YOU!!!

Karen L. said...

"In my search for this template I am bumping up against all kinds of conflicting ideas and it is stealing my peace."
i'm quoting this out of your text.
you have no idea how this jumped off the page at me and slapped me upside the head. i am in a huge struggle in my marriage of 13 years....and seems like i've always been.
i think God just showed me it's b/c i have this 'template' of the way it should be and it has NEVER matched up. i've never had any peace or joy when it comes to my marriage and it does feel like i have at least 100 xtra pounds on my shoulders at all times. i have no idea how this will turn out but i am praying that God will start right this very second to help us overcome. "...for we are more than conquerors through Christ!"

Lindsay said...

I have felt the Lord leading me to teach/lead a women's study at my church because there is a huge void in that area. When i called the church to try and arrange the details they simply asked that I wait until the fall to start with the rest of the small groups. I felt extremely discouraged and fearful of stepping up and directly speaking to the pastor for permission to lead this study on the church campus. Your post today has been an answer to my prayer confirming that I continue with the Lord's plans....not any one else's. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Shelli Littleton said...

Hey, sweet girl. Planting a church ... whew ... more than likely this won't be the only fear you'll have to turn over to the Lord, but you are more than a conqueror through Christ! I will be praying for you. God will go before you each step of the way, just like how that lady said that to you ... God was already preparing you. He's so awesome.

katiegfromtennessee said...

Amanda, I am glad you shared with us...this post is transparent, and it makes me think about similar struggles going on with me right now too. I want to learn and be set free too from any defeating strongholds. I thank the Lord for you and for the encouragement through you tonight.

Mandy Santos said...

Hi Amanda,
I've been following your blog for a few months now, but never took the time to comment (sorry!). I've enjoyed reading about your journey as a mom and wife- I'm right there with you.
My husband & I joined a church planting team in Sept 08, our church started in Feb 09. ,We moved across the country to San Jose, CA and needless to say, God has rocked our world. Through all we've been through, it's been the best thing I've ever been a part of.
I'm so excited to hear about the journey God's called you on. He will show himself to you in amazing ways! Keep listening to those little things, and He will use you to do GREAT things for him. :)

His Jules said...

Thank you, a thousand times thank you for sharing this! Praying for you & Curtis as you begin your new adventure.

Toyin O. said...

Praise God for the freedom we have in Christ; we should only care what God thinks of us. Thanks for sharing.

Angela Sartain said...

You may not believe how perfectly timed your post is for me! I have been praying for the last few days that God would break me of my fear of man - something I don't really see but I know it's in there somewhere. I have been especially challenged with it over the last few days and then, to read your post about it was just the best encouragement I could get in focusing in on this area of my heart. I can also relate to the bad relationship thing, unfortunately. It's been a terrible road to healing but I know that He is able and faithful! Thank you for sharing; this was incredibly powerful for me to read today.

Shelley said...

As a recent 'church-planting' and a first-born - I live the words you typed out loud. I have always struggled with 'people-pleasing' in a pastoral role - I don't want to fail people or their expectation of me (?!).

I our new church plant I have to bring my thoughts captive when I start to wonder why friends who support us verbally are not joining us physically. I have find rest in the fact that God knows who HE needs to be a part of the church plant and NOT who I think He needs.

Hope that makes sense. Anyway - thanks for this post I need to behead this idol once and for all.

wmcswain said...

Thanks for posting this. I have always struggled with being a people pleaser and am interested to see it described in a new way. It really is a fear of man and totally becomes a sin. Being consumed by fear just ties me up and keeps me from seeing anything in the right perspective. I've been dealing with some issues lately that are exposing nearly every one of my weaknesses (there are so many). I'll pray for you and give the Lord praise for revealing Himself to you and lifting you up when you need it. I'm not sure exactly what I need to prayer for at the moment, but whatever it is, it's holding me back. Thank you Amanda. I'm so glad we don't have to carry our burdens alone.

Gracie said...

I don't know if you know these Aggies, but I thought of you when I saw this post. I have never met her, but we have corresponded because of mutual friends.

http://www.gracecoversme.com/2011/05/what-to-expect-when-youre-church.html

Anne N. said...

I have read this post a few times..I had to let it marinate. Thank you so much for writing this, it spoke to me in many ways...but also helped me gain insight into other people.

Nic said...

Loved reading this. My husband and I have been on a "church planting" discernment journey for the last couple years and it is such an complicated/amazing journey but I totally relate to the fears that come. The two books you mentioned in an earlier post in April (Inturrupted and Radical) are the same two books I read this spring that have really challenged me. Thanks for sharing your heart. Your words touched me.

Unknown said...

Amanda thank you so much for sharing this - I really needed to hear all of that today - especially those verses at the end. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs with us - you are going to make an amazing Pastor's Wife!

Sarah said...

I haven't commented before but your post resonated so strongly with me (also a first born people pleaser), I wanted to say thank you! A mentor once shared Proverbs 29:25 with me, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." This verse has been on my mind for the past couple months, as I'm graduating and transitioning into my career, where there is a lot of responsibility and opportunity for others to judge my actions. Sometimes my fear of what others think is so crippling - thank you for speaking the truth about this sin and that victory over it IS possible through Jesus!

Sarah said...

I haven't commented before but your post resonated so strongly with me (also a first born people pleaser), I wanted to say thank you! A mentor once shared Proverbs 29:25 with me, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." This verse has been on my mind for the past couple months, as I've recently graduated and am transitioning into a career I love, but where I have a lot of responsibility and there are plenty of opportunities for others to judge my decisions. The fear of what people think of me has been really affecting my joy, peace, and enjoyment of life. Thank you for speaking the truth about this sin and the victory that IS possible through Jesus.

Joanne said...

This came at the perfect time for me. A great reminder. How did you get so wise for your young age!? I'm fearing man in BIG ways. My book was released this week and speaking engagements are rolling in. Lord, help me. I am now afraid...of man. I'm guessing you have been raised in a Christian home all your life, I wasn't. SO, knowing many high school girlfriends would read my love of Jesus in book-form had me wondering, "What will they think?" quite a bit.

Bless you girl, for speaking His truth to my heart.

Kelli said...

This post has been replaying in my mind so much lately. Praying for God to reveal why it is hitting so close to home.

Ashton said...

This very much spoke to me, Amanda. I was convicted by the scriptures, thank you for sharing. Allison

Bianca said...

WOW!!! This is awesome! What a huge leap of faith. I will be committed to praying for you and your family as you go on this wild ride :)