Overcoming Fear

So my precious friends and I just had our last session of Beth Moore's Study of Esther and let me tell you everyone should study the life of Esther! I could probably preach pages of everything I have learned from this study, but I won't. I just want to share some of the key points about fear Beth made that really have opened my eyes and heart. Fear is definitely a big issue for me. I'm a very anxious person, and some days it seems like worry and fear consume my life. Well Beth gave us this phrase to say to ourselves anytime we're facing a fear or circumstance: if ________ then God. This simple but powerful phrase has forever changed my view on fear. Seriously, think about it. What are we so afraid of? Why do we worry? If I fail then God. If this then God. If that then God. No matter what it may be God will always be there. He is saying to us, "Trust Me" [PERIOD]. Beth pointed out that the most common command in the Bible is "Fear Not." God is so much bigger than anything we could possibly face. He clearly tells us, "Don't be afraid." We get to decide how good our story is going to be and we're going to let something like fear hold us back??? We will never know abundant life if we remain in the tight fist of fear. Esther had to overcome herself in order to do what God had positioned her to do. She had to face fear, and her response??-- "If I perish, I perish." I long for the courage Esther had. Sometimes guys, we can protect ourselves right out of our calling. If Esther did not trust God, she would of missed the most pivotal point in her path. Beth even said it herself, "You may be one brave decision away from the most important step in your destiny." I don't know about you, but I sure don't want to miss out on my calling due to fear. Finally she left us with this,"Everytime you're in a tight fist of fear, remember you're in something much tighter."----> Isaiah 49:16: See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands<---- God has his hand of protection over us.