Faith Over Fear

God created us for a purpose, and our purpose can only be found in Him. Whenever we seek significance apart from Him, we end up feeling incomplete. They cannot fill our core need to find our place in a story that extends far beyond us.Many of us understand, at least intellectually, that we were created to know Christ and make Him known. But when everyone else seems to be living such glamorous or effective and efficient lives and we feel stuck in the tedium of parenthood or our normal career responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of this. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and Grace Fox discuss truths that can move us from fear of insignificance to a deeply satisfying purpose. Resources:The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman's Guide to Peace by Grace Fox. Wholly Loved Living Loved Conference. (Find information HERE.) Contact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.Contact Grace through her website HERE to book her for your next women’s event.Find Grace Fox at GraceFox.comFind her on Facebook HERE. Group Discussion Questions:1. Consider your times of striving. What do you think motivates your behavior?2. In your typical day, whose voice do you give more credence to, God’s or other humans’? Why do you think this is?3. Why is it important for us to recognize our purpose extends beyond our current roles?4. How might our expression of our purpose change, based on our seasons or circumstances?5. How can you live out your purpose to know God and make Him known this week? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*A note to our listeners: this episode was recorded before all of the changes in our world due to the coronavirus. And yet, the topic of letting go of control is so necessary for today. Though we don't discuss current events, we hope today's show meets you where you're at. Be well, friends.*Almost exactly twenty years ago, today’s guest, popular international speaker Carol Kent was thrust into a situation that made her feel as if her world was unraveling. Her son was arrested for murder, revealing just how little control we parents often have over our children’s lives. Though her life felt out of control, she found peace and security through surrender. She discovered God is big enough and strong enough and loving enough to carry her through she did or might someday face. Resources:• When I lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent, released by NavPress: http://urlme.cc/6VQd• He Holds My Hand by Carol Kent, released by Tyndale Publishers: http://urlme.cc/rVRvFind Carol Kent at https://www.carolkent.org Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarolkent/Find her ministry, Speak Up for Hope: https://speakupforhope.org/ Group Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in Carol’s story?2. When do you most feel out of control?3. How do you typically respond when life feels out of control?4. What lies does Satan tend to whisper to you when you feel out of control? 5. Read Romans 8:28-29. What does this passage tell you regarding our most fearful, “out of control” situations?6. How might your current circumstances point you to heaven? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Former pastor Victoria Mejias shares her struggle with multiple sclerosis. Prior to diagnosis, she received satisfaction in feeling as if she could accomplish whatever goals she pursued. But then, mysterious symptoms drove her to the doctor. After a series of tests, she learned she had multiple sclerosis. She was forced to face her fear of weakness. Initially, she wrestled with God, but she’s since discovered the secret to true strength, and that isn’t found within herself. Though outwardly she may appear weak, by God’s grace working in her, she believes she is now stronger than ever.Resources:Wholly Loved’s Bible reading plan 30 Days of Emotional Health Find Victoria at https://www.VictoriaElizabeth.comFind Jennifer at: https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslatteryFind her ministry, Wholly Loved, at: https://www.WhollyLoved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. In what ways have you seen our culture over-emphasize outward strength or personal achievement? How can this mentality prove dangerous?2. What are some areas where fear of weakness might show up?3. Do you have a fear of appearing or feeling weak, and if so, in what area?4. When do you most tend to rely on your own strength? How can relying on our own strength distance us from God?5. When you feel strong, how apt are you to recognize God’s power and presence?6. When have you most clearly experienced God’s strength revealed through you during a time of weakness? In what ways can weakness draw us closer to God? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear of rejection has enslaved many, if not most, of us. This pervasive fear can keep us from embracing new opportunities, leading to isolation and self-protection, and eventually hinders our ability to experience the deep community God desires for us. In this episode, Debbie Alsdorf (www.debbiealsdorf.com) shares how past hurts can create an ongoing fear of rejection. This can translate to a desire to please others, a need to achieve in order to prove one’s worth, and surface-level relationships. To overcome this, we need to anchor ourselves deeper in God’s love, change our mental narrative, and learn heal from past hurts.Resources:It’s Momplicated: Hope and Healing for Imperfect Daughters of Imperfect Mothers by Debbie Alsdorf and Joan Edwards Kay- Find free videos for each chapter: http://urlme.cc/KA4P- Find a free study guide: http://urlme.cc/dYzz- Fear of Rejection Video Part One and Two found on YouTube.Find Jennifer at: https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslatteryGroup Discussion Questions:1. How often has fear of rejection or a desire to please others negatively impacted you, your calling, and/or your relationships? 2. When you feel a gut reaction rise up, how often do you hit pause to prayerfully evaluate the root of your emotions?3. Consider times when you’ve experienced a fear of rejection? How might your story (past hurts and/or rejections) impact this fear?4. Are you alert to the lies attached to your fear, and if so, what are they?5. What truths regarding your identity in Christ and His love for you most comfort and encourage you?6. What is one thing you can do in the week ahead to experience God’s love for you on a deeper level? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

According to statistics, a large number of us struggle with anxiety and depression, but the evangelical community hasn’t always handled issues related to mental illness well.Jennifer’s daughter, Ashley, joins the discussion today. She shares her struggle with anxiety and depression, and Jennifer shares her experience with OCD. Here’s what else they talk about:1. Discerning the best way to address anxiety, depression & OCD2. Cognitive behavior therapy and why it works3. Self-care tools you can start today4. Finding a good counselor Resources:Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado: http://urlme.cc/2Jm6Find Jennifer at:https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslatteryFind her ministry, Wholly Loved, at: https://www.whollyloved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. How comfortable are you discussing mental health issues with your friends, faith community, or peers? What makes this challenging, and what helps make this easier?2. How would you describe the differences between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder?3. Have you ever sensed that perhaps your worries were disproportionate to the event that triggered them? 4. Can you share a time when you’ve experienced anxiety that had a spiritual cause? 5. How alert are you to your thoughts?6. How alert are you to how your thoughts affect your emotions? 7. What are some indications a person’s anxiety might have a medical cause?8. What are some ways you normally deal with your anxiety? Are these healthy or unhealthy coping mechanisms?9. In what ways has your anxiety or related condition negatively impacted those you love?10. Do others feel the need to “manage” your emotions? How might this effect the health of your relationships? How might this affect their mental health?Episode Image Credit: Getty/nadia_bormotova Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In John 17:3, Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." The original Greek word our Bibles translate as “know” in this verse extends beyond intellectual assent. It’s knowledge gained through personal experience - relationships. This means, the more we come to know God - who He is, what He’s done, and what He’s promised - the more we come alive. When engulfed in our all-powerful, all-knowing, fierce and compassionate love of God, our fears must flee. Resources:Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith: http://urlme.cc/8RogBecoming His Princess Week Four Video found on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPMiwD6EpM4Find Jennifer Slattery at:https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslatteryFind her ministry, Wholly Loved, at: https://www.whollyloved.comGroup Discussion Questions:1. What do you most tend to be afraid of?2. How has or does fear hinder you from embracing new opportunities? 3. How has or does fear hinder you from fully surrendering to God?4. Consider what Jennifer said: Satan continually tries to hinder your effectiveness through defeat, discouragement, deception, and by destroying. Can you share a time when you’ve seen this to be true?5. What are some things you know to be true about God? (Ex: He’s all-powerful, He’s been faithful to mankind throughout history, etc.)6. How can meditating on one of the truths mentioned in response to question five help you move from fear to faith?7. How might praying with thanksgiving help you move from fear to faith?8. What is one thing you can do this week to grow in your knowledge of who God is, what He’s done, or what He’s promised?Episode Image Credit: Getty/nadia_bormotova Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life is too short and God has too much for us to do for any of us to live enslaved. Jesus promised His followers would experience filled to overflowing life, a life characterized by joy, peace, and spiritual and emotional vitality. And yet, we daily make decisions based on fear, not faith. In Faith Over Fear, author and speaker Jennifer Slattery helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.