Hey Mamas!
Have you ever been so scared that you didn’t just freeze—you ran? That was me earlier this year. I wasn’t just scared; I was terrified for my life. A threat came my way that shook me to the core, and my first instinct was to pack up my daughter and run. So, I did. For two weeks, we vacationed at a relative’s house.
During those two weeks my baby and I stayed in a small room, watching Bluey and the 2024 Paris Olympics on repeat. Physically, I felt safe. But mentally, I was going through it. Fear had taken over my thoughts. Anxiety, stress, and endless questions about the future consumed me.
Looking back, I realize I made the mistake of putting more trust in those threats than in God. I gave power to someone’s cruel words and forgot about the promises of the One who holds ultimate authority. For months, I had been doing inner work, growing spiritually, and healing. But the moment fear knocked on my door, all of it vanished.
Running felt like the safe choice, but it wasn’t the wise one.
Living in Fear
The start of 2024 was rough. I spent a lot of time consumed by fear—fear of what someone might do, fear of the unknown, and fear that I wouldn’t be able to handle what was ahead. But even in that dark season, God started working on me.
I found an amazing church home, dove deep into the Word, and even adjusted the content I consumed. I was literally in Planet Fitness listening to gospel music and sermons while working out. And you know what? It helped. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone and gave me the motivation I needed to keep going.
I started having raw, honest conversations with God. I got baptized again, a decision that symbolized a fresh start for me. Slowly but surely, I began to find peace. I even started to feel joy again.
But here’s the thing: choosing faith doesn’t stop the weapon from forming. The enemies still came knocking at my door—literally. But they couldn’t harm me. Every time, God showed me that He was in control and that His promises are real.
A Life-Changing Sermon
One Sunday, shortly after those threats, my pastor preached a sermon titled The Power of a Made-Up Mind. He said something that hit me hard:
“Anxiety isn’t about making the wrong choice. Your anxiety comes from your indecision—not making a choice at all.”
He urged us to make a choice, commit to it fully, and trust God to make it right. And most importantly, he told us to choose God.
But the moment I received those threats, I didn’t choose God. I chose fear, I chose to run. And because of that, I missed out on two major events I had been looking forward to all year: my best friend’s birthday and my church’s one-year anniversary. That actually hurt me.
Choosing Faith
Now, I’m making a different choice. I’m choosing God. I’m choosing faith over fear.
God has not only given me His Word but has also shown me through His actions that He’s faithful. Even when evil approached me, I was never harmed. His promise that “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17) has been proven true in my life.
Running may feel safe in the moment, but trusting God is what brings real safety, peace, and joy. I’ve learned that fear will always try to take the lead, but it doesn’t have to win.
If you’re in a season where fear is trying to make your decisions for you, I encourage you to pause, pray, and choose faith. God’s promises are bigger than the threats, the anxiety, and the unknown. He’s never failed me, and He won’t fail you either.
You’ve got this because He’s got you.
Until Next Time,
Janise
Isaiah 54:17 AMP “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from me”, says the Lord.