daniel's fast devotion

Wait on the Lord

September 11, 2019 By Kristen Feola

I was sitting in my car in our driveway, waiting for my teenage daughter. After several minutes, I became impatient and tapped the horn a few times to get her attention. Eventually, she sauntered through the door, not caring at all that she was about to be tardy for her first class of the day.

“What took you so long?!” I said with irritation in my voice. Without giving her a chance to respond, I added, “I feel like I’m always waiting for you!”

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I felt convicted. Instead of getting upset, I should have kept my emotions under control. During the silent drive to school, I thought about how waiting is part of life and how it’s also often God’s divine plan.

We tend to view the act of waiting as a big negative. Who enjoys standing in a long line at the grocery store? Who actually gets excited to be stuck in traffic on Friday after a long day of work? In our fast-paced, immediate gratification society, waiting isn’t something that’s valued. In fact, we usually try to avoid it at all costs.

But the Bible speaks very differently about this topic:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14).

“The Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help” (Is. 30:18 NLT).

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him” (Lam. 3:25 ESV).

Our church recently completed a 21-day fast, and I’m still waiting for God’s direction on several of my personal prayer requests. Some days I struggle with discouragement because God’s answers aren’t clear. During those moments, I have to change my focus from frustration to faith. The Lord is at work in my circumstances, even if I can’t see what he’s doing. My loving heavenly Father is ordering my steps, and he will show me the way to go when the time is right.

Does God have you in a season of waiting? If so, immerse yourself in his Word. Recite verses such as the ones above to keep you from falling into despair. Consider how the Lord wants you to handle unexpected and unwanted delays when they occur in your life.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Is. 40:31 NKJV).

God promises to give us endurance, hope, strength, and perseverance as we wait on him. He promises VICTORY!

So, if you think about it, waiting isn’t such a bad thing after all. It’s a blessing in disguise—an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with the One who loves you most.

Get Out of the Boat

July 8, 2019 By Kristen Feola

Peter was exhausted. He and the other disciples had spent all day with Jesus. They had ministered for hours to the crowds of people who followed them. When it began to get late, Jesus sent the disciples off in a boat so they could get some rest. Jesus stayed behind to pray.

That night the wind picked up and began tossing the boat back and forth on the water. The waves made it hard for the disciples to row. Jesus saw their struggle and went out to them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified. He looked like a ghost. But, Jesus told them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27).

Peter, the bold leader that he was, said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water (14:28).” Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter got down out of the boat. He took a huge step of faith by putting his feet in the water and started walking toward the Lord.

What Peter did makes absolutely no sense. People don’t walk on water! That just doesn’t happen. But, as we’re reminded in Luke 18:27:

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Sometimes we don’t understand what God is doing or asks us to do. We just don’t see how it can happen. It doesn’t make sense, and we can’t figure it out. But, you know what? We don’t have to understand. All we need to do is to trust in the Lord, focus on his promises, and find peace in his Presence.

In order for Peter to walk on the water, he had to get out of the boat. He had to cast all doubt and fear aside and keep his eyes on Jesus. As long as he did, Peter lived in the supernatural. He experienced God’s power working in his life. Instead of being paralyzed by fear like the rest of the disciples, Peter walked in faith.

Jesus calls out to each of us, “Come.” What he is calling you to do may be different than what he’s placing on my heart. But, the invitation is still the same—to trust in him—no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what everyone else is doing, no matter what obstacles are in front of you, and no matter how much you’re afraid.

I want to be like Peter. I choose today to put my feet into the water and take steps toward what God wants me to do. What about you? Will you get out of the boat?

Positioned for His Purpose

February 18, 2019 By Kristen Feola

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere else? In another state or even a different country? I have, especially this time of year. It’s winter in Missouri, and I’m not a fan of freezing temperatures.

The adventurous part of me would love to relocate. In fact, several years ago, my husband and I seriously thought about living closer to his parents, who live in New York. Justin flew out to Pennsylvania for a job interview. We dreamed about a new life together on the East Coast and began making plans to move.

But then we sensed the Lord putting the brakes on the whole idea. As much as we wanted to be near Justin’s family, we didn’t believe it was right for us to leave. We sensed God’s voice saying, “Stay.” So we did, and we’ve lived in Missouri for more than 20 years.

Looking back, I can see why the Lord kept us in Springfield. God has poured out countless blessings on our family in this place. We’ve also grown exponentially through trials, tragedies, and triumphs. Yes, God had specific plans for us here, some of which he is still working out. We won’t be going anywhere until he gives us the go-ahead.

Where you live is not an accident. Your address is not random at all. God’s Word is clear on this issue:

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26).

The Lord has strategically positioned you in a particular city and community. You are where you are for a reason. God has purposes in mind for you and people he wants you to reach.

Ask God to increase your passion for the people in your community. Start by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading when people who cross your path. If you’re at the grocery store, talk to the checkout person instead of texting. Thank a waitress for working so hard. Encourage a young mom who looks exhausted. Sometimes the smallest expressions of kindness open people’s hearts to the Lord.

Finally, thank God for where you live. Even if it’s not your first choice, trust the God who loves you. He has a plan for you there.

Obedience Leads to Peace

February 4, 2019 By Kristen Feola

The simplest instructions can sometimes be the most difficult to follow. Let me give you an example (hypothetical, of course). When a parent tells her teenage daughter, “Clean your room,” you’d think the teen would know to pick up her various piles of clothes on the floor, not bunch them up in one gigantic, overflowing heap! But somehow what’s obvious to the parent seems to befuddle the child.

Fortunately, when it comes to obeying the Lord, we don’t have to guess how we’re supposed to live. The Bible gives us simple, clear-cut instructions, such as, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Sounds easy enough, right? I wish it was. Let’s take a closer look at the truths in these two verses:

“Don’t worry about anything.” You may be wondering, Is that even possible? It must be, or God wouldn’t have included this command in the Bible.

“Pray about everything.” Talk to God about the details of your life. No matter how big or small, He cares about it all!

“Tell God what you need.” If you haven’t already, make a list of prayer requests for yourself and others in a journal. Then continue to bring those requests before the Lord on a regular basis.

“Thank him for all he has done.” Tell the Lord how thankful you are for specific blessings in your life. Make it a goal to write down five or 10 things every day.

When we develop the habit of trusting God with every situation, we’ll have tranquility instead of tension. Also, as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, our hearts will be full of joy. But wait. There’s more! Check out Phil. 4:7:

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Did you catch that? The peace of God will act as a garrison around us so the enemy can’t break though!

In your prayer time today, thank the Lord for the gift of his perfect peace that protects you, strengthens you, and leads you to victory.

The Pain You Don’t See

September 16, 2016 By Kristen Feola

Commodus, 5.10a, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, AR

I stood at the base of Commodus, a popular, 5.10a sport climbing route at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near Jasper, AR. It was a sunny September day, and the weather was perfect. Climbers from all over the country had gathered at Horseshoe for a full day of climbing. Since Commodus is a classic route, several people wanted to get on it, including Justin and me. So when it was finally our turn, I was ready to go.

Justin had already led the route, which means he had attached our rope to the fixed bolts along the wall with carabiners. After he had reached the top of Commodus and secured the rope in the anchors, Justin descended to belay me. My job was to follow him and remove the carabiners, a process known as “cleaning.”

I tied in, chalked up, and started up the rock. The climb to the first bolt was easy and fun. The handholds and footholds were solid. All I had to do was unclip the first carabiner and continue on up to the next bolt.

But I had trouble unclipping. With my right arm extended and left hand holding on, I could barely reach the bolt. Because I was stretched out, the tension on the rope was tight.

I gave the rope a big jerk to force it out of the carabiner. When I did, I came off the rock. I knew I was going to take a fall, but I expected Justin’s belay device to activate before I hit the ground. It didn’t.

Directly underneath me was a tall, pointy rock. When the sharp edge made contact with my tailbone, I cried out like a wounded animal. The pain was immediate and intense. A warm sensation swept over my whole body. I felt nauseated and thought I would throw up.

Slowly, I stood up. The last thing I wanted to do was keep climbing. But, after a few minutes, I forced myself to get back on the wall. I didn’t want fear to keep me grounded, that day or in the future. I had to conquer Commodus. And I did. Bruised backside and all.

I struggled with constant pain for the next two weeks. It hurt to walk. To sit. And even to lie down. I only felt relief when standing for short amounts of time.

Most people around me had no idea how much I was suffering. Only an extremely observant person would have noticed my gait was a little awkward, like I’d been riding a horse too long. Only someone watching my body language would have picked up on how slowly I moved. And only those paying close attention would have seen my slight grimace as I shifted my body weight from one cheek to the other when I’d been sitting too long.

One day when I was especially uncomfortable, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart about my experience, challenging me to consider it from a spiritual perspective.

Every day I come into contact with hurting people. People who are in great distress, not from a rock climbing accident, but from circumstances in their lives, past and present. Abuse, rejection, neglect, addiction, and betrayal have caused massive internal injuries. Only I don’t see their pain. I’m not paying attention. I’m too preoccupied with myself to notice.

But I’m not the only one in this predicament. Every human being on this planet struggles with self-centeredness. It’s part of our sinful nature. We’re all guilty of getting caught up in the details of our own lives. But we can do better. We can change! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can become more focused on others instead of ourselves.

If that’s your desire – to be more aware of people’s hurts and ways you can help – pray this prayer with me today:

“God, I confess that I think too much and too often about myself. Your Word says, ‘Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Phil. 2:4 NLT).’ Open my physical and spiritual eyes to the people around me. Give me your heart – a heart of compassion and comfort – and show me how to alleviate their suffering. Thank you for teaching me how to grow in this area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Once you’ve asked God to increase your sensitivity to others, you can be confident He will answer such a request. In fact, be on the alert. The Lord just might send someone your way today.

[Note: A climber who rated Commodus online as a 5-star climb commented, “Pleasant balancey climbing with some reachy moves. Loved it. A fall might be painful.” Might be? I know from experience that a fall is definitely painful on this route!]

When You’re in a Hard Season

March 22, 2016 By Kristen Feola

Spring is finally here! Where I live, the weather is getting warmer, and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because it means new beginnings and new life.

But not all seasons are so pleasant. Sometimes we find ourselves in an extended time of sadness or pain, somewhat like a spiritual winter.

I know because it has happened to me. Recently.

Last year was tough. January 2015 started out great with the annual online Daniel Fast and the release of my second book, Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul. But then I encountered scary health issues in February. At the same time, family problems arose. By March, I was spent. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And I got stuck.

Fear set in. I felt anxious throughout the day. At night, my body was exhausted, but I couldn’t sleep. My mind kept going a hundred miles an hour, thinking about all the what ifs. I was scared because I stopped trusting God.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Are you there now? If so, let God pull you out of that pit of despair and unbelief. Don’t even try to climb out yourself. You’ll never make it. Oh, you might gain some ground, but you’ll slowly slip back down into the mud and mire. Instead, reach out for the Lord, and let Him grab your hand. Let His strength replace your weakness. Let His power remove your pain.

Yes, the past year has been challenging for me. But the Lord has used (and is using) the experiences to strengthen my spiritual muscles. I believe that the past winter season is about to usher in a glorious spring in my life. As my wise mentor, Ginni, told me, “This is not a bad season. This is a season of becoming fit for God’s power.”

I encourage you to adopt the same perspective.

If you’re experiencing a difficult time right now, put your trust in the Lord no matter what your circumstances. Stand on the truth of His Word despite your feelings. Remember, this promise:

“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Rom. 8:28 TLB).

A hard season is actually a good season. The Lord is with you, and He will bring you to a greater, deeper, stronger place because of it.

Your winter is coming to an end. Spring is just around the corner.

God is Proud of You

September 10, 2015 By Kristen Feola

I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

I was having lunch with my friends who are missionaries in El Salvador. For about an hour, we shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. Mostly, I just sat and listened, gleaning from their godly wisdom. I soaked in their passion for ministering to hurting people, secretly hoping it would rub off on me. Then, as we said good-bye, my eyebrows raised when I heard, “We’re proud of you.”

What?! I thought. They’re proud of ME? No, no! It’s the other way around!

What I wanted to say was, “It’s your commitment to the poor that touches my heart deeply! It’s your tenacity to share the gospel in one of the most dangerous countries in the world that challenges me! It’s your faithfulness to share the love of Christ that reminds me to reach out to others! I’m so proud of YOU!”

But I didn’t. I was too shocked to speak. As I drove home, I wondered, Were they praising my achievement of being a bestselling author of two books? Patting me on the back for having a successful online Daniel Fast ministry? Applauding my abilities as a speaker?

No, I don’t think so. I doubt that their affirmation was prompted by any accomplishment or accolade. Instead, they wanted to communicate, “We’re proud of who you are. We see the Lord at work in your life, and we thank Him for what He’s doing.”

I thought about those four words several times throughout the day. Such an unexpected gift from my dear friends. Such a priceless treasure I will hold in my heart always. Then I realized that their declaration was God’s message to me as well.

The Lord is proud of me simply because I’m His child. I belong to Him, and He thinks I’m pretty special. My heavenly Father loves me when I’m generous and kind. He loves me when I’m selfish and mean. God doesn’t focus on all the bad stuff when He looks at my life. That sin has been covered by the cross! What He does see is His beloved Son, Jesus, and He is well pleased.

If you’ve been born again – if you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation – the Lord sees you the same way! Your Father wants you to know that He’s proud of who you are! You’re precious and valuable, not because of anything you’ve done, but because you’re His.

The message the Lord spoke to my heart is also meant for you:

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you” (Is. 43:4).

Receive those words as God’s gift to you today!

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Pray for Our Babies

August 24, 2015 By Kristen Feola

She was only 16. Pretty, outgoing, and full of hope for the future. Her plan was to attend college after graduation. Then she got pregnant. But despite the shame and fear she felt, a scared, young girl chose to let her baby live. And, I’m so thankful she did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Since the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in 1973, more than 57 million babies have been murdered. 57 million. That’s the equivalent of annihilating a whole country the size of Italy or France, all in the name of a woman’s “right to choose.” And Planned Parenthood is the primary organization that’s providing this barbaric procedure.

Currently, there are 820 Planned Parenthood clinics in the United States. One of them is less than a mile from my house. Ironically, it’s positioned between a Goodwill Store, where people drop off unwanted items, and Other Mothers, which carries second-hand maternity and children’s clothes.

Even though I drive past the clinic several times each week, I don’t like to think about what happens there. It sickens me to consider the atrocities occurring within those brick walls. But, I need to think about it. For far too long I haven’t.

But recent reports on Planned Parenthood’s activities have jolted me to action. I’m horrified by how they’re harvesting babies’ organs for financial gain! And I’m angry. Angry at Planned Parenthood for committing such evil. Angry at our country for letting it happen. Angry at myself for being apathetic and uninvolved.

America, it’s time to wake up! Our babies are being murdered. Living, breathing human beings are being destroyed because of pure selfishness and greed.

What Planned Parenthood is doing is wrong. They must be held accountable and punished for their crimes. If we allow them to continue their practices, we share in their guilt. By doing nothing, we condone their actions.

If you’re like me, you feel helpless. You want to change the situation but feel powerless. Let me remind you this is a spiritual battle. And, we must fight with spiritual weapons. We must pray.

Every time you see an article about Planned Parenthood online or when you drive past a clinic, take a few minutes to intercede. Pray for:

Women who seek the services of Planned Parenthood – That they will understand the full impact of abortion – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pray they won’t be deceived and will choose life.
Employees who work at Planned Parenthood – That they will be convinced that what they’re doing is evil and unethical. Pray they will quit their jobs.
Our government – That they will see the truth of what is happening and withdraw all financial support from the organization.
Believers – To take a stand for the unborn and to be faithful to pray regularly.
Our nation – That that we will repent of this wickedness and turn to God.

I’m passionate about this issue because I could have been a statistic. After all, my life was unplanned. My conception wasn’t convenient. But, thankfully, I had two parents who wanted me. I had a mother who valued the growing baby inside her body.

A few days ago I made the five-minute walk to the Planned Parenthood clinic in my neighborhood. I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the building and bowed my head. At first, no words came. Only tears. I wept for the babies. For the hurting girls. For the deceived workers. For our nation’s sin. For my sin. “God, forgive us!” I cried.

Our country is making a grave mistake by not protecting our babies. God’s judgment is coming if we don’t repent. But the good news is, there’s hope. God promises to show mercy if we turn to Him.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Will you cry out to God for our little ones and the women who carry them? We can’t continue to be silent. Unborn babies are relying on our prayers!

Please share this blog post on social media so others will join us in prayer.

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Say “Yes” to the Daniel Fast!

August 4, 2015 By Kristen Feola

This past Sunday morning was like déjà vu. You know, when you feel as if you’ve been in the same situation before. The thing is, I have. Nearly six years ago.

In August 2009, I sat in the same church under the same pastor, hearing the same challenge to seek the Lord through the Daniel Fast. I eagerly accepted. Even though I’d never done a three-week partial fast, I was excited to see what God would do as I submitted to Him. But I had no idea how that one decision – that one “yes” – would change the course of my life.

I couldn’t have dreamed I would write a bestselling book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

That my website would become a worldwide resource and ministry tool.

That God would open many doors for writing and speaking.

That I’d publish a second book, Spiritually Strong.

And, that’s just the beginning.

Two days ago, as my pastor shared his reasons for calling our church to a time of praying and fasting, I heard a familiar voice: Will you trust me? Will you commit to three weeks of fervent prayer? Will you set aside your agenda and seek my will?

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

Less than two weeks from today, our church will begin a corporate Daniel Fast. Already, I’m beginning to pray. Already, I’m asking God to prepare my heart and to move powerfully among our church and community. Already, I’m believing this Daniel Fast will be miraculous in ways I can’t even imagine.

God is also calling you. Can you hear His voice? Listen closely because He is speaking.

Will you accept His invitation? Will you step out into the unknown and pursue a deeper relationship with God? Will you commit to a three-week Daniel Fast?

The Lord wants to show His love to you and demonstrate His power in your life. Don’t let fear or disobedience rob you of the blessings God wants to give you.

Just trust Him. Just say, “Yes.”

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

While She Still Breathes

May 1, 2015 By Kristen Feola

I sit next to my friend, Georgia, while she sleeps in her bed. Her body is wracked with infection. Her organs are shutting down. She hasn’t been able to eat or drink in more than a week. While Georgia inhales and exhales deeply, I watch. I listen.

In and out, in and out. Every two seconds. Like clockwork.

I think about all the millions of breaths Georgia has taken over the past 80 years. And how God has provided every single one. How he was present with her very first. How He’ll be there during her very last.

The oxygen tank hums. Georgia still breathes.

In and out, in and out.

My eyes drift from my friend to her nightstand. The table is covered with medical supplies: oral swabs, wipes, mouthwash, and a bottle of hand lotion. The lotion catches my eye because of its name – “Cherish the Moment.” I pray aloud. “That’s what I’m trying to do, Lord.”

I look at this woman – this sweet lady that God brought into my life, and I cry. Tears fall because she’s dying. But, more than that, because I don’t know what’s next for her. I’m not sure where Georgia will be when she stops breathing.

Since God brought Georgia into my life in 2010, I’ve talked to her repeatedly about spiritual matters. Although she has always been polite and considerate, she has never showed interest in the things of God. When I first met Georgia, I asked if she believed Jesus died for her sins. She replied, “I’ve never sinned.” I didn’t know if she really meant it or if it was her dementia doing the talking.

You see, Georgia has battled mental illness for decades. From what I can tell, she suffered from some traumatic event in her early 40s and has never been the same since. Medical records list “schizophrenia” as a result. Although I’ve been able to piece together stories from her life, there are many gaps. There are missing pieces.

And the main one is: Has Georgia ever made the decision to follow Christ?

I don’t know.

Georgia doesn’t seem to know.

But God does.

The Lord – the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient One – knows every detail of Georgia’s life. He alone knows the condition of her heart. Of anyone’s heart, for that matter.

Last week when Georgia was much more alert and responsive, I told her repeatedly, “God loves you so much. He’s always loved you. Do you believe that?” But, today, she sleeps. I say it anyway.

God brought me this beautiful gift of Georgia, but sometimes I feel I’ve failed Him. Failed her. I want more than anything for her to become a Christian. To be set free from the fear that has kept her bound for many, many years.

But I know it’s not my job to rescue Georgia. It never was. No, my only responsibility is to love her. To laugh with her. To care for her. To sit by her bedside while her sick body slowly deteriorates. To hold her weak, frail hand while she sleeps.

While she still breathes in. While she still breathes out.

Do You Trust God?

April 17, 2015 By Kristen Feola

It’s easy to say the words, “I’m trusting in the Lord.” But, what exactly does that mean?

Trusting God involves remaining in His Word. Letting go of anxiety. Choosing to rest in His presence. Refusing to be held captive by fear.

In human relationships, we often extend trust to someone only after it has been earned. But that’s not necessary with God. We don’t need to put him on a trial basis or “test” His actions. The Lord is forever faithful and completely reliable. And, just for the record, not one of His good promises has ever failed.

If you’re facing a difficult situation that causes you to be afraid, you can do one of two things: 1) Try to figure everything out on your own (believe me, it doesn’t work), or 2) Cast all your cares on the One who loves you most.

May I suggest the second option? That’s what I’m trying to do right now.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve faced a few situations that have challenged my faith in big ways. I’ve been afraid. Confused. Sad. Angry. Disappointed. Frustrated. Anxious. But in the midst of the confusion and chaos, one word keeps coming to my mind.

Trust.

Even though I’m tempted to rehearse all the “what if” scenarios in my mind, the Lord is calling me to look to Him instead. So I’m relying on the Holy Spirit to guide me. Step by step, day by day. I’m also clinging to the familiar truth of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Will you join me? Can we agree to allow God’s peace to cover us, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Together, let’s resolve to walk the path of faith. Let’s trust in the Lord with full confidence that His plans are for our good. We don’t need to worry. We just need to trust Him.

When Fear Becomes Faith

February 23, 2015 By Kristen Feola

It should have been a relaxing date. My husband and I were at a nice restaurant three hours from home. Our daughters were staying with friends, so we had the weekend to ourselves. When the server brought our meal, Justin bit into his hamburger, but I could only manage a few bites of my salad. I didn’t have an appetite.

We were in St. Louis because I’d been invited to be the guest speaker at a Friday night prayer service. I was thankful for the opportunity and excited about sharing with the people. A little too excited. The more I thought it, the more I was filled with fear. I felt much like Moses did. When God told him to go to Pharoah to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses made all kinds of excuses as to why he wasn’t the one for the job. He said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it (Ex. 4:13).”

At one point during our dinner, my body was literally shaking. As Justin and I got into the car to drive to the church, I said, “I’m not doing very well. I’m so scared.” He paused for a moment and said matter-of-factly, “You’re a child of the King. You need to start acting like it.”

Immediately, I felt strength rise up within me. I held my head a little higher and stood a little straighter. My husband’s words jolted me back into reality.

That’s right! I thought. I’m a child of the King! God is with me, and He will provide! I remembered one of my favorite verses, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you” (Is. 26:3).

When I took the platform, I sensed the Lord’s presence. Not only did God help me, but I also truly enjoyed every minute of the presentation! After I finished and sat down, I imagined the Lord gently patting my back, whispering the words, “Well done, my child. Well done.”

Are you struggling with anxiety over a situation in your life? Maybe it’s not a speaking engagement, but a broken relationship, a wayward child, or severe financial problems. The Enemy would love nothing more than to keep you in bondage. But, God wants to set you free from fear so you can live by faith!

Choose now to believe the truth about your circumstances. Remember who you are and whose you are! Find a Bible verse that addresses the topic of peace. Memorize the verse and quote it aloud when you start to panic. As you set your mind on God’s Word and put your trust in Him, you’ll be filled with a wonderful, supernatural peace that passes all understanding.