Faith Over Fear

We all have doubts, and often those doubts rise up when life becomes difficult or uncertain. We experience a gap between what we know, or maybe what we’ve been taught, and what our reality seems to be stating. When this occurs, fear tempts us to ignore our doubts or avoid the hard questions. But our doubts, when investigated honestly and with Jesus, can pave the way to certainty and deeper intimacy with Christ.In this episode, theologian Dave Montoya helps us understand why doubts feel so uncomfortable, how we can address them, and how we can come alongside others who are in places of doubt.Find Dave’s church at https://www.northstate.church/Find 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://whollyloved.com/Resources Dave Mentions: The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian and the Risk of Commitment by Daniel Taylor God in the Dark: The Assurance of Faith Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt by Os GuinnessDoubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith by Alister McGrathGroup Discussion Questions:1.How do you tend to respond when doubts arise?2.How comfortable are you investigating hard questions?3.When have you wrestled with a period of doubt or with difficult questions, and what was the result? 4.In what ways has honest investigation increased your faith?5.In what ways does our faith “grow up” and mature?6.How do you tend to feel when others express doubt?7.What are some ways you can come alongside those who are doubting? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Scripture tells us God has not given us a spirit of fear but rather one of power, love, and a sound mind. As Kylie Odetta shares in this episode, this verse provides key truths that can help us gain victory over our fears. Kylie shares how God has helped, and is helping, her to live fully in the freeing gifts He’s given her through grace. Find Kylie Odetta at: her website |Instagram | FacebookFind Jennifer at: https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslatteryGroup Discussion Questions:1. Do you ever feel as if others wouldn’t understand what you’re experiencing or going through?2. Do you have someone you can talk to, honestly, regarding your struggle?3. How often do you intentionally seek out fun activities and ways to laugh?4. Are you regularly taking in the truth of Scripture? 5. What is one faith-bolstering truth you can intentionally focus on this week? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we discussed last episode, fear of moral failure and an inability to rest in God’s hinders our effectiveness, freedom, joy, and growth. We’re used to having to achieve in order to prove ourselves and to experiencing rejection when we don’t measure up. Because of this, we may expect God to treat us in a similar way, but whereas others may cast us off, God always welcomes near.Resources:Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed Through Conversations to Women, by Julie ColemanVideo: Receiving GraceRagamuffin Gospel by Brennan ManningFind Julie Coleman at: http://www.JulieColeman.orgContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.Find Jennifer at: https://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenslattery Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear of moral failure is the inability to rest in God’s grace, and it hinders growth, joy, and freedom. Past experiences with humans can negatively impact our ability to rest in God’s grace. When we mess up, often others cast us off. But not Jesus. He opened wide His arms and died in order to draw us close.Resources:Video: Receiving GraceVideo: Becoming His Princess Week 7: Living in GraceBecoming His Princess Bible study:Grab the free ebook in PDF form: http://urlme.cc/2JlD Kindle form: http://urlme.cc/0zGjBuy the print copy: http://urlme.cc/GZGARagamuffin Gospel by Brennan ManningContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.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 do you normally respond when you sin? Does your sin normally drive you to God or push you from Him? Why do you think this is?2. Why does God’s grace annihilate both guilt and self-condemnation?3. What’s the difference between striving and yielding?4. Think of some way you tend to sin. (Example, acting prideful, lying, etc.) When attempting to move past that sin, what might striving look like?5. Again, think of some way you tend to sin. When attempting to move past that sin, what might yielding look like?6. What are some ways you connect with your power source (Christ)? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

None of us were born with a fear of failure. But over time, as we learn and grow and live imperfectly, we begin to attach labels to our journeys and mishaps. We call them failures, and over time, we may determine we are as well. Our faulty processing will greatly hinder our progress, growth, and effectiveness, if we let it.Fear of failure often stems from a very dangerous focus: Making much of ourselves and little of God. But Scripture tells us life—and growth—comes when we die to ourselves so that Christ can live in and through us. Resources:Nothing to Prove, by Jennie AllenLittle Women, Big God and Little Faith Big God by Debbie W. WilsonGive Yourself a Break: The Secrets to God's Rest by Debbie W. WilsonFind Debbie W. Wilson at: DebbieWWilson.com and on FacebookContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.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. What is your definition of failure?2. How do you respond when you fail?3. Have past “failures” impacted your willingness to take on new opportunities?4. Why is it important to measure success based on obedience rather than results?5. How might “dying to ourselves” give us the courage to obey and embrace new opportunities? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We fear being truly known, but we also yearn for the relational intimacy that can only come when we unveil who we truly are. We can either live in hiding, always afraid of being called out, or we can have the courage to live authentically. As we continually step into the light, God reveals every hidden area of darkness within—sin, hurts, shame, not to condemn or shame us but to heal, transform and free us. Resources:Becoming His Princess - A seven-week Bible study on the life of Sarai/Sarah (Gen. 12-23).Unexpected Love by Julie ColemanContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.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 does self-revelation lead to deeper relationships?2. How can fear of exposure hinder relational intimacy?3. Do you have a relationship where you feel fully known and deeply loved?4. In what ways has fear of exposure hindered your relationships in the past?5. What does it mean to you to step into the light? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psychologists say a growing number of us have developed a fear of missing out. We’re afraid if we don’t respond to that message now, our friends will contact someone else, form stronger relationships with them, and we’ll be excluded. We worry, if we don’t accept that opportunity or say yes to that client, we won’t get that promotion. In each of these instances, if we dig deep enough, we’ll often discover a core need has been threatened such as the need for purpose, love, security, or belonging. The problem comes when we attempt to meet our needs in our own strength and wisdom. As with any fear, fear of missing out pushes us into self-reliance, which distances us from God and hinders our ability to hear Him and receive His guidance. To overcome, we need to trust in Him, follow Him, and lean on Him.Resources:Ask It by Andy Stanley: http://urlme.cc/B0BlContact Jennifer through her website HERE to have her speak at your next women’s event.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. What are some ways you’ve seen the fear of missing out present itself in adults’ lives?2. Pause to consider—what deeper fear, related to a core need, might have been triggered?3. How does or has FOMO pushed you into striving and self-reliance?4. How easy is it for you to trust God’s sovereignty in your life? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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.