Sunday, September 7, 2014

Kicking Fear to the Curb (Week 3)




Week 3: Replacing Fear with Faith


Hi Ladies! It’s Missy here. I’m so glad you are here.

Overcoming our fears is no easy task. This week let’s keep moving forward by focusing on replacing our fear with faith.

 There are many Hebrew words for fear. When studying them, I found that I identified with one in particular, more than the others. Arat means to tremble with a sense of terror.  It is often used to reference a fear of man. I’ll speak for myself here, friends, it’s awfully easy to allow that kind of fear to take me to the deepest darkest places where it likes to hide, and pretend that God can’t reach it there.  

 Here’s the thing I’m learning though – God will keep shining the light of His truth into those places. As we continue to learn to trust Him, He will continue to banish our fears circumstanceby circumstance.

 All we need to do is bring them to Him!

 Do you know what fills me with fear? The thought that someone might view some task I’ve accomplished as lacking. That I might be seen as inadequate. This fear often keeps me from trying in the first place. Can you relate?

Throughout this study, God's making it abundantly clear I am to continually bring my fear to His feet. Psalm 55:22 encourages us to: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (NIV) Don’t you just love that?  Even when we are tempted to shake in our boots He is mighty to sustain us. This promise goes a long way to banishing my fear!

Each time I bring a fear to His feet, in obedience, He lovingly tells me, "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.", (Isaiah 41:13, NIV). Did you catch that?  He will help us!  We do not have to replace these fears with faith in our own might.  God will help you and me when we are afraid!

And, I find that each time I lay my fears at God’s feet, or write verses on my bathroom mirror or on an index card, my fear is replaced with a greater faith!

 Are you feeling encouraged? I hope so!  Let’s dig deeper into God’s Word and get to work trading our fears for deeper faith in the One who conquers each and every one of them. And He holds our hand while doing it!


Free Tools: (clickable links)

Assignment #1:

According to Webster’s Dictionary, fear means: “to…expect with alarm.” I think this definition encapsulates it so much better: False Evidence Appearing Real, especially since statistics prove that the vast majority of what we fear never becomes reality. False evidence, indeed!  
Today, identify a fear that plagues your heart, then:
  1. Use the free tools provided to do a search to see what verses in the Bible deal with your fear.
  2. At the top of a page in your journal, or on an index card, write the name of your fear.Inadequacy would be mine. Underneath it write out three of the verses you found during your search. (Feel free to write each verse from different Bible translations.)
  3. Then, write a prayer and picture yourself laying this fear at the feet of God.  Use the Bible verses that you found to help you pray God’s Word to Him.  There is such power in praying God’s Word! Here is an example: Lord, You promise me that You will not leave me or forsake me.  Thank You, God! Thank You for holding my hand and sustaining meas I attempt to complete this task for which I feel completely inadequate.  I lay the fear of being inadequate at Your feet, Lord. Please take my efforts and make them shine for Yourglory.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

Assignment #2:

When I keep my eyes focused on Christ, I am able walk in victory above my fears.  When I don’t, like Peter, I begin to sink, doing what He’s asked me to do.
Read Matthew 14:22-33.
  1. In your own words describe what happened in verse 30?  Has this ever happened to you?  How were you able to refocus?
  2. Read 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 8:4, and Matthew 10:30-31.  What do these verses reveal to you about God?
  3. How can you use what you’ve learned today to help you replace your fear with greater faith?

Assignment #3:

When my feelings of inadequacy threaten my confidence I must run to God’s Word. There I am reminded of the truth found in verses such as Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)
  1. What keeps you from running to God in faith? Read Luke 17:5 and Mark 9:24.  How can these two verses help you overcome your fear?
  2. At what point do you falter in replacing fear with faith? Practice mentally giving God all of your fears and allowing Him to strengthen and increase your faith.

Blog Hop Topics


  1. On Monday, Missy gave us a great assignment to work through. Take one of the verses from step 2 and verse map it. Share your photo and the what you learned from your verse mapping.
  2. As our study comes to a close, reflect on what you have learned from this study. How will you take what you have learned and apply it?
  3. At times our fear overruns our faith. What Scripture verses did you discover during our time together that can help you make a u-turn and run to God?
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Sunday, August 31, 2014

Kicking Fear to the Curb (Week 2)



Week 2: Victors Over Fear


Hi Beautiful Gap Girls!

Wow, I am so thankful for God’s Word!

In the Bible, God gives us examples not only of what to do, but of what not to do in life. In God’s wisdom, He encourages us to choose the path that leads to success by showing us the good steps, and the missteps others have made before us. We understand from this contrast that when we allow our steps to be guided by His Wordand His Spirit we can live victorious, godly and purpose-filled lives.

We had an interesting week following the path that led the Israelites and King Saul to failure. What a sad journey! Each one lost out with God in a big way when their steps of unbelief, doubt and fear led them to wrong actions and failure.

We’ve learned what steps NOT to take: steps of unbelief, doubt, fear, wrong actions and failure. (I hope you’re taking notes or keeping a journal so you can capture the precepts you’re learning and use them as you make decisions in your every-day life.)

This week, we’ll learn what steps we can take to help us gain victory over fear. We’ll read the accounts of some biblical examples of victors who overcame their fears andsee how God led them to a successful destiny. Our path to success begins when we believe God and move in faith on His promises; it continues as we face our difficulties and fears with courage. It flourishes as we take the right action-steps toward fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Some of my best memories as a teen are of my friend, Mary, and I walking. We didn’t have a particular destination in mind most of the time; we simply enjoyed the journey. As we walked, we talked through our problems, laughed at our flaws, and cooed over the cuteneighborhood boys. On some days our steps were guided by our adventurous nature. We would take a turn and walk down a road we weren’t familiar with, even if it seemed a little scary. On other days we dared not venture too far from home for fear of what or of whom we would encounter.

The path we take makes the difference. Just like the poet making the choice to take the road less traveled, we choose our journey to failure or success by whether wewalk in unbelief and fear, or whether we walk in belief and faith.

Sometimes the path of belief and faith looks scary because few people have traveled it. But when we choose to trust God and not the circumstances, the scary path leads to abundant life in Him.

This week we’re using an awesome method of Bible study called Verse Mapping. It helps me draw truth from the scriptures and I trust it will help you, too.

Click Here for some great instructions on how to verse map.

In our assignments, we’ll first learn about Abraham, who left his home and family to go to a land God prepared for him. Next, we’ll read about Joshua, who followed God’s directions to victory when he led the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Lastly, we’ll uncover David’s courage as he faced the giant, Goliath, in battle.

As you read through the verses from our daily assignments, I encourage you to incorporate verse mapping into your study.

Free Tools: (clickable links)


Assignment #1:

Abraham, known as the Father of our faith, heard the voice of the Lord and struck out not knowing where he was going or why. He simply heard the Lord calling him and he obeyed. In his sermon Abraham Believed God,A.B. Simpson, a Presbyterian pastor and founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance writes:

”Taking [God] at His word, he stepped out from all that he knew and loved and went forth upon an unknown pathway with none but God.”

Read Genesis 12:1-7, Hebrews 11:8 and James 2:23, then consider the following:


  1. Did God tell Abraham where He was leading Him in Genesis 12:1? What action did Abraham take showing he believed God? How do you imagine it feltfor Abraham and Sarah to leave home, not knowing exactly where they would be going?
  2. If you were in their shoes, how would you react if God asked you to leave your home, friends or career to goto an unfamiliar place among unfamiliar people? What quality do you think guided Abraham as he movedaway from his home and his people?
  3. From the passages you read, did Abraham ever find a permanent dwelling in Canaan? Have you sunk deep roots into your current life situation? Do you think you would follow the example of Abraham if God asked you to pull up those roots and follow where He leads?According to Hebrews 11:10 where did Abraham see his resting place, the place he planted his roots, to be?
  4. In James 2:23 what term is used to describe Abraham and God’s relationship? What qualities do you look for in a friend? What qualities do you think God looks for?
  5. In Genesis 12:2-3 what promises did God make to Abraham? According to Hebrews 11:8-12 do you think God kept His promise? What promises has God made to you? Are you fearful in following God’s leading?Has God has asked you to change jobs and your finances say, “No”? Is He leading you to become involved in a community of believers, but you’re fearful of leaving the friends you’ve worshipped with for years? Is He desiring to work in the hearts of your husband or children, but you keep getting in the way because you’re worried you might lose them? What would you do differently if you fully believed God will keep His promises to you?

Assignment #2:

There are times when God may ask us to take on a taskwe feel unequipped to handle. We may be asked to teach a Bible study, or speak to a stranger about Jesus, or take in a child who has no family. God called Joshua to step into the shoes of a man who spoke with God face-to-face, Moses.

Moses saw God bring plagues against the Egyptians and then move the entire nation of Israel across the Red Sea on dry land. Yet later on, because of his unbelief, Moses never entered the Promise Land. He only viewed it from a distance. (See Deuteronomy 32:48-52.)}

Forty years after Moses led the Israelites to the brink of the Promised Land, God asked Joshua to lead them in. Read Joshua chapter 1, then 5:13-6:27.


  1. From Joshua 1:1-9, write out the verses where God tells Joshua to be of “good courage.” What instructions followed those verses?
  2. What did Joshua tell the Israelites in Joshua 1:13 and Joshua 3:5? How does that correlate with what God told Joshua about being of “good courage” in Joshua 1:6-7?
  3. Look at Joshua 6:10. Why do you think God hadJoshua command the Israelites not to say anything until they were told to shout? Do you think our words are important in overcoming fear? What are some words we may say that fuel our fears? What are some words we may use that feed our faith?
  4. How can you use these passages to prepare your heart to conquer your fears?
  5. This week note the times you use fearful, doubtful, or worrisome words in your conversations or thoughts.Then use the Bible study techniques we’ve learned so far to find passages in scripture that refute those thoughts or conversations.

Assignment #3:

In 1 Samuel 17, we find David about to face the giant, Goliath. Goliath was huge! Sometimes our fears seem huge and we quake in their presence. Fears like losing someone we love, failing as a parent, missing God’s calling and facing rejection. Our fears mock us as they hold us hostage to their abuse.

Sometimes our response to fear is like the Israelites’response to Goliath. The soldiers were shaking in their boots as Goliath mocked them and their God. But when David heard Goliath’s bold speech, he fearlessly asked in verse 26, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-24, 32-37, and 45-51. Let’s discoverthe source of David’s courage.



  1. According to verse 37, who does David credit for delivering him from the lion and bear? What was David assured of if he faced Goliath in battle?
  2. When David faced Goliath on the battlefield, what did he say to the giant? Do you think David’s confidencewas in his ability to defeat the giant?
  3. From these passages we sense David knew his God. What are some truths you know about your God? Make a list of these truths. Where are these truths found in scripture? Explain how you rely on these truths when you’re facing your fears?
  4. Verse map Psalm 139:5, Deuteronomy 3:22, Deuteronomy 33:26, and/or Psalm 33:20. How do these verses help you? Make a list of the giants(fears) you face.
  5. Going through your list and using God’s word and the truths you’ve learned about Him as weapons, what can you say to your giants to remind you God is fighting for you? What passages have you found tohelp build your confidence and give you strength to overcome your giants?

Blog Hop Topics

  1. Looking back at the faith heroes from this week, what tool did Abraham, Joshua or David use that would be beneficial to you?
  2. Joshua was instructed by God several times to "be of good courage." What can you do to become a woman of "good courage?"  
  3. Choose a verse from Assignment 3 to verse map and share a photo of your verse map and what you learned from using that Bible study tool.

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Sunday, August 24, 2014

Kicking Fear to the Curb (Week 1)


Week 1: Overcoming Fear


Hi Sweet Gap Girls! I’m excited to be sharing this study with you! 

My name is Carla Pollard and I’ve been working with Missy Pettigrew to bring you some insights and Bible study assignments to help you identify and work through your fears.

Here is a video from Carla.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fLnDS-apMA&feature=youtu.be#!

Here is a video from Missy.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qAC9VTbgcA

  I (Carla) will be sharing with you on weeks one and two. Missy will share with you on week three. At the end of this study, we’ll be able to take the tools we’ve learned and kick our fears to the curb.

In our struggle with fear, it’s important to understand we’re not alone. We all face this struggle at some point in our lives. Fear shows up in many different forms like fear of rejection, fear of public speaking, fear of death or fear of financial loss. I’ve found the enemy of our soul desires to use fear to bring us into bondage. But the truth is, the things we fear the most we typically never have to face.

President Roosevelt once said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And he was right. So often it’s not the circumstances we face, but our fear within the circumstances that defeats us. We fall victim to fear when we fail to trust God and face our difficulties with courage. God doesn’t want this to happen. As God’s word reminds us:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 (NIV).

This week in our daily assignments, we're going to discover Biblical examples of victims of fear. We’ll dig into the scriptures and discover what led these men down the path of fear and how we can avoid it. Just as God had promised Israel that they were able to go possess the Promised Land, we’re able to go in the promises of God and conquer our fears.

We start by remembering we can take God at His word. When unbelief raises its ugly voice in the “What if’s” of life,we can stand firm on God’s word, “Even when” we feel afraid.

You might be thinking, “I have giant fears and I’m not sure I can overcome them.” I am right there with you, sweet friend!

Thankfully, I’ve come to realize that with God’s help, we can indeed overcome our unhealthy fears. Take a moment and with a prayerful heart reflect on this verse:

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7, NIV).

God has called us to be victors, not victims! Fear is something that holds us in bondage. God is a God of faith, love and freedom. In Him, we can go, do, see and live in freedom knowing He’s with us. With God’s help, we’re going to kick our fears to the curb.

As you read through the daily assignments, try to identify the pivotal point when each victim steps onto the path of unbelief and fear. That path looks like this:

I don’t believe what God has promised will come to pass. My unbelief sends me further down the path to doubt what He will do. Doubt leads me to fear what will happen to me. Fear guides me to wrong actions in order to deliver myself. My wrong actions end in failure because I have not done what God called me to do.
Free Tools: (clickable links)

Assignment #1

Today, let’s focus on the path the Israelites took when God brought them out of Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land.

God has a way of bringing us to that fork in the road where we have to make a decision whether we’ll trust what He tells us or whether we’ll believe what we see or what others say. When the circumstances appear scary and dangerous the Israelites, like most of us, decided to take what they thought was the easy way out. But it wasn’treally. The path they chose eventually led to that generation’s demise.

Read Numbers chapter 13, then chapter 14 verse 11, and 30-33.

  1. Describe the promise God makes to Moses for Israel in Exodus 3:7-8.
  2. How does God describe the land He promises to the Israelites?
  3. How did the leaders describe that land in Numbers 13:27?
  4. Contrast the account of the leaders in Numbers 13:28, 31-33 with Caleb’s account in verse 30. Do you believe the leaders trusted God’s promise? If not, what did they trust? Do you think they believed God would fight their battles? In what or whom did Caleb trust? Have you ever looked at your circumstances and felt defeated before you stepped onto the battle field? Which report did the people believe?
  5. In Numbers 14:7-9 Joshua zeroes in on the children of Israel’s underlying problem. Describe this problem and Joshua’s advice to them on how to overcome it.How did the Israelites choose doubt and fear over trust and faith? What did it cost them? (Numbers 14:30-33). Is it easier for you to believe the promises of God when others believe it? What quality do you think Caleb and Joshua had that enabled them to stand against the majority?
  6. Why is God angry with the children of Israel and how does He describe their behavior (Number 14: 10-11).

Assignment #2


Today we’re chatting about Israel’s first king, Saul.



He stepped onto the path of fear and doubt when he repeatedly refused to follow God’s instructions and forged ahead with his own plans. Saul was left on slippery ground. His last years were spent in fear as he traveled throughout Israel trying to kill God’s next anointed leader. That path ended in utter failure because he trusted himself more than he trusted God.



Read 1 Samuel chapter 15 & 18:1-16.



  1. What was Saul’s reason for not trusting God enough to follow His instructions in 1 Samuel 15:24? What were the results of Saul’s actions? Have you ever been afraid to do or not do something right because of what others may say or want? Jot down your thoughts about that time. What, if anything, would youdo differently?
  2. In 1 Samuel 18 who was gaining popularity among the people and in Saul’s court? What was Saul’s reaction to David’s success? Describe a time in your life when you succeeded in your personal or professional life and others reacted jealously. How did this make you feel? Have you ever reacted jealously to a friend or family member’s accomplishments? Read and reflect on 1 Peter 5:5-7. 
  3. According to verses 12-15, what emotion was the driving force behind Saul’s anger and jealousy? Do you think Saul believed David could take his throne away?
  4. Based on earlier reading in 1 Samuel 15, who really dethroned Saul? Do you think Saul loved his position more than he loved God?

Assignment #3

For today’s lesson, let’s use a technique of Bible study called word study. If you’ve never done a word study, don’t worry, we’re here to guide you!

First you’ll need your Bible, pens, a simple notebook orjournal, a dictionary, and some sort of concordance. YourBible may have a short concordance in the back. A concordance lists words in alphabetical order and shows you where that word is found in the scriptures. I useStrong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It is a monster book but it lists every word in the Bible and every verse where that word is used. (Someone once said Strong’s called it Exhaustive because he was exhausted when he finished writing it.) 

Here are your key words for this assignment:

Fear
Faith
Success
Doubt
Courage
Trust
Believe/belief
Unbelief
  • Look up the key word in a concordance and write down the references (book, chapter, verse).
  • Look up the verses. You may want to use an online tool for this and I reccomend www.biblegateway. It's a great resource.
  • Jot down those verses that speak to you in your notebook or journal.
After you’ve researched the key words, answer the following:
  1. Look for the ways these terms tie together. What connections have you found so far?
  2. Did you discover clarification from these verses for your life? Does this change the way you look at your own fears?
  3. Did you feel God speaking to you about your fear through these verses? What is at least one scripture you found to help you overcome fear?
  4. What is one thing you’re going to do differently this week as a result of the Scriptures you’ve reviewed?

Blog Hop Topics

  1. What fear are you facing? What control does it have on you? Does it affect your relationship with others and God? If so, how?
  2. In Assignment #3 this week, Carla introduced us to word study. What word spoke to you the most? Why? How will the verses you read for that word help you kick your fear?
  3. Have you tried to conquer this fear before and how does it affect your relationship with God? Has God spoken to you about your fear?
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