Lifestyle Columnist, Amanda Alexander
Today’s Word with Amanda
I can’t do this, I’m too fat, I’m too skinny, I’m Black, I’m a woman, I’ve no education, I was born on the wrong side of the fence, if only I came from, it goes on and on and on, that predominate negative voice that goes around in our head telling us what we cannot do. Have you noticed the familiar pattern with this trash talking voice, first it starts with the word ‘I’ then it adds a negative action of what you can’t do or something critical about yourself. At times this voice can be so compelling that you truly believe that you cannot fulfill your destiny.
This is called ‘FEAR’, one of its acronyms is defined as ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’. Fear permeates every ounce of your being and makes you believe that this is your reality and truth, when in fact this false evidence is a lie. Have you ever noticed that whenever a positive opportunity presents itself either through relationships, business, ministry, employment and so on, this nasty demon shows up and tells you why you’re not qualified in that particular area.
Due to being assaulted as a child I was very fearful when it came to taking exams, sometimes I wouldn’t even show up. When I was training to be a Personal Trainer many years ago I was so frightened of failing, that I didn’t turn up for my exam. Just think had I taken the exam and passed, I would have propelled into a higher income bracket, but instead I remained in the lower one and the opportunity to progress was lost, why – because I gave into fear. This nasty evil spirit killed many of my dreams until the day I became a Christian.
Being a Christian, the Bible is the foundation for my life. Through its scriptures I’ve been learning how to combat fear, one scripture says that God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, and of love and a sound mind¹. You see fear brings constant torment² either reminding you of past failings or telling you why you can’t do something. Since learning those scriptures I rely on the strength of Christ who empowers me to do all the things I’m gifted and talented to do³ and you can too, I no longer live a fear but a faith based life. Do I feel afraid sometimes? Yes, however I combat fear through action, in addition I pray and meditate on the scriptures. Don’t let fear kill your dreams, do what you have to do to fulfill your destiny, I depend on God and prayer, how do you combat fear? Hit me up and let me know!
Question:
- Do you spend time criticising and reminding yourself of past mistakes ?
- Ask yourself why you do that?
- Once you realise this stop punishing yourself with your words
- Tell yourself you are more than enough, you’re amazing and you can achieve your destiny
- Find others who can help you overcome fear
Until next time, remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made – With love Amanda x
Amanda Alexander is the founder of Elect Lady Ministries & Amanda Alexander Productions All rights reserved ©
Disclaimer: Readers are advised that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to CaribDirect Multi-Media Ltd.
¹ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201:7&version=KJV
² https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204%3A18&version=KJV
³ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A13&version=KJV
