Taking Control from Fear (and a Giveaway!) by Carrie Daws

Does fear control you? Does it ever affect your decisions? The apostle John, one of Jesus’s best friends wrote, “There is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18). For many years, I felt condemned every time I read that.

Quite simply, fear controlled me. I was afraid of spiders and other creepy crawlies. I wouldn’t let friends get too close in case they discoveredhow unlikeable I could be. I was afraid of pain—to the point that I wouldn’t do some of the things I really wanted to do, like ride a motorcycle with my husband (one of his passions when he was younger).

I didn’t believe I had any value to add to conversations, so I stayed quiet. And I wouldn’t ask a question because I was convinced people would think I was stupid. I wouldn’t even make the decision of which movie to watch or place to eat, certainthat no one else would like my choice.

Fear absolutely reigned in and over my life, hurting my relationships and limiting my abilities.

And then, God put His foot down. One by one, He offered me the chance to embrace courage, to choose bravery. He started small: a mid-sized spider in the middle of my floor when my husband was out of town. I killed that spider with my children cheering me on—and then allowed my young boys to clean it up for me. Let’s not expect too much at once.

I began actively listening, seeking opportunities in conversations where I could insert a thought. I boldly asked more questions, reminding myself that the worst that could happen wasn’t really all that bad. I even went skydiving, something I’d wanted to do for years but always hesitated because . . . well . . . it’s skydiving!

Our world offers many opportunities to doubt God’s goodness. To doubt His plan.Our enemy likes to demand attention, and we often give him more time and consideration than he deserves. We forget that he is a liar (John 8:44). That he comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10).

May we always remember that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even in the difficult, fearful circumstances we’d rather avoid.

It’s a Giveaway!

In my Embers series, Fire Marshal Cassandra McCarthy is put to the test. Will she trust God or let fear win? One reader will win a full set of three novelettes on Kindle OR the paperback of all three books! For your chance to win, leave a comment below.

Author Bio:

God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being an author. With a background in weekly devotions, a mentor and several friends encouraged her to try fiction. The writing monster that she now barely keeps contained was born. Since then, she’s completed several books including her new romantic suspense, the Embers series. To learn more about her books, click here. (LINK: http://carriedaws.com/my-books/)

Website: http://carriedaws.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieDaws/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarrieDaws

Buy Links:
Kindling Embers: https://smile.amazon.com/Kindling-Embers-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01MYWISYO/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Igniting Embers: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0713SWY2V/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Extinguishing Embers: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0758GV4N1/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

3-in-1 Paperback: https://smile.amazon.com/Embers-Carrie-Daws/dp/1947539035/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8