On a day that began bad and slithered worse, Eve did what a lot of us women do: Go shop.
No upscale Macy’s near her garden home.
Not even a Wal-Mart. She sewed together leaves – fig leaves, to be exact – and slipped into her new outfit. Her husband fashioned a leafy garment, too. (Ain’t it great to have a husband who sews?!)
Why her sudden interest in fashion? Eve made a bad choice, a horribly sinful decision. She knew the rules of garden living and flaunted them. And invited fear into her life. She felt shame. She was naked, exposed . . . afraid.
Fear. We women live this four-letter word every day. Between worrying about our kids’ safety and how to pay the bills to stressing over our self-worth and questioning God’s goodness, over and over again we too pull an “Eve.” You and I go shop for fig leaves. And we cover up beautifully. Or do we?
In the Bible, God shows us a better way. The way of faith, not fear.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 Jn. 4:18). As we learn to pay attention to our fear and repent, God’s love is at work in us. The fruit of the Spirit grows in us: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Your faith in God has replaced your fear – and you experience peace.
What if the fear returns? What if I can’t handle it? I am a panic attack survivor and I still deal with fear. You know. . .we all do, every day.
When I fear, I check my heart. I consider my sins and my fig leaves. I ask myself, What am I hiding? And, when I come clean about my dirt, my faith grows and fear fades. So maybe bad fear isn’t so bad after all if I use it to draw me close to God.
What’s important is how one responds to fear?
How are you handling your fear?
Great post, Lucy. I am definitely no stranger to fear. I also went through a season of my life where I had some panic attacks. The Lord has helped me and continues to help me choose faith over fear. I pray the Word, speak the Word, and talk a LOT to God. He and I continue to work on rooting out fears in my life to this day. I’m so glad He is the Great Deliverer. I’m so glad He is patient and loving.
Have a great weekend!
Karen
Lucy, you said, “When I fear, I check my heart. I consider my sins and my fig leaves. I ask myself, What am I hiding? And, when I come clean about my dirt, my faith grows and fear fades.”
I like this, and it is so true! Thanks for sharing. I have left you a little something over at Glass House Ministries, on the “We Have a Winner” post.
Blessings,
Cheri
Thanks Karen, Thanks Cheri:
Fear is such a biggie for us women. Keep on encouraging the people in your life. Tell them that “God is bigger than their fears. He is in control.”
Hugs, Lucy