What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned? When the enemy attacks the very heart of your ministry? This happened to a recent guest, Georgia Shaffer, on the Sacred Scar Story Series on Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast where she shared How to Move Forward After a Broken Engagement and Heal from Painful Trials on Episode 288. The very heart of her ministry was attacked and she was left to pick up the pieces and determine where to go from there. I’ve asked Georgia to share with us here how she learned to move from fearing the future to trusting God.

Overwhelmed? 3 Steps to Move from Fear to Trust
By Georgia Shaffer

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG): “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!”

The news was grim, and he had every reason to react in fear. Yet when King Jehoshaphat heard the news of a vast army from Ammon, Moab, AND Mount Seir coming with the intent to destroy him and his people, he “set his face to seek help from the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3, ESV). He called the people together and led them in fasting and prayer. He acknowledged his fear but also declared God’s faithfulness.

What overwhelming circumstances are you facing right now?
How often do you look at what’s coming toward you and feel powerless to change things?
Do you freeze in fear or scramble to make plans?

Fear can be terrifying and paralyzing, and we can find ourselves unable to take significant action that could ultimately help us. It makes us wonder if we will survive. But, friends, we can train our hearts and minds to respond like King Jehoshaphat—to seek God first and to stand against fear. When you find yourself filled with fear, remember these three suggestions:

1. Don’t wait for your fears to go away
2. Believe God is with you
3. Watch what only God can do

 

 

Don’t wait for your fears to go away.

Don’t wish or wait for the fear-inducing conditions to disappear. Instead, steep yourself in Scripture that speaks of strength and courage. Listen to worship music and sing to God. Be active in your faith. Surround yourself with prayer warriors and people who encourage you in your battle. Jehoshaphat set out for war and appointed men to sing to the Lord and “praise him for the splendor of his holiness” (2 Chronicles 20:21, NIV). The Bible tells us that as the men sang, the Lord set ambushes against the men who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

Believe God is with you.

Cling to Christ during alarming times, and if he calls you to action, step out in faith. Faith doesn’t require that you know what will happen but rather that you trust God to be with you. Or, as Proverbs 3:5 (MSG) states: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.” It may not look like God is working, but you can trust that He is on the move. In 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV), as the people quaked in fear, King Jehoshaphat declared, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Watch what only God can do.

So many times, in seemingly impossible situations, you have no clue what God can or will do. Could King Jehoshaphat foresee, before God spoke, that the army of the Israelites would not have to go into battle? No! As the army crested into the battleground, ready to fight, they saw a field of dead bodies. All of their enemies had been killed before they had even arrived!

There comes a time when you have to trust God and lean on him. Often, we wait until there is no other way out when we reach the end of our human strength and resources. But what if we followed King Jehoshaphat’s example and brought our fears to Him first? The Bible says, “Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3, NIV). Bringing our fears to God sets the trajectory and orders our steps as we face overwhelming circumstances.

We are in a fight for our lives. Everywhere we turn, enemies surround us. What should we do? When you are full of fear, whisper the prayer of the king: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Whatever your frightening situation, as a follower of Jesus Christ, be assured that God is with you. He is working behind the scenes for your good—no matter how scary things seem.

How have you turned your back on fear in favor of trusting God? We’d love to know in the comments below.

 

Feeling overwhelmed by fear? @GeorgiaShaffer shares 3 powerful steps to shift from fear to faith. Don’t wait for fear to go away—trust God through it! Learn how you can stand strong when life doesn’t go as planned. Share on X Fear can make us feel powerless. But what if God’s already working behind the scenes? Watch what only He can do when you let go of control, just like King Jehoshaphat did. @GeorgiaShaffer shares her journey of trust. Share on X

 

About Georgia Shaffer

Georgia Shaffer, is an author, PA licensed psychologist and a Professional Certified Coach. In 2023, the International Christian Coaching Association chose her as the Christian Coach of the Year. She has written 6 books including A Gift of Mourning Glories: Restoring Your Life after Loss and Taking Out Your Emotional Trash. Georgia offers individual and group coaching online including ReBUILD After Divorce https://georgiashaffer.com/rebuildmembership, a community for Christian women struggling to begin anew after a shattered marriage. www.georgiashaffer.com

 

Connect with Georgia:  Website / Membership / Facebook / X / Instagram

 

 

Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise that Your Pain is Not Wasted

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We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. Too often we believe these experiences disqualify us from being useful to God. But the truth is, your past pain and brokenness serve as preparation for what God wants to do in and through you – if you will surrender to and trust him.

Just as Jesus’s scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our emotional or physical scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of God’s love and power. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.

Find out more and order here: Sacred Scars