Stop Fearing What The Future Holds

Posted by: Victoria Tropiano

Since it’s the first full week of 2015, I figured I’d share exactly how I’m feeling in hopes that I’m not alone. During New Years Eve, I kept seeing posts on social media saying, “I can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring!” I, in fact, felt like I could wait. To be honest with you, I’m terrified to experience 2015. I loved 2014 and can’t help but think that nothing can top it. I moved to Chattanooga with my best friends, started a new job, found an incredible home church, became an aunt, and fell in love. I am still mind boggled at how blessed I was this past year. I immediately started to develop a fear of 2015. So far this year, my mind and the enemy have completely robbed me of my joy of what the future holds.

My initial fear of 2015 turned into a lot of daydreaming about “what ifs.” One day I woke up and unnecessary worries started piling into my head. Thoughts about not knowing what the future holds and feeling unequipped and talentless. It was a bunch of noise that Satan was trying to attack me with that needed to be silenced. In that moment, I realized how small I think God is and how Satan sneakily became in control of my thoughts rather than God. It took me right back to Beth Moore’s Living Proof Live conference I attended this past September where she discussed this exact topic.

I wanted to share with you my notes from the conference because I think everyone experiences times where Satan’s voice is louder than God’s. If we’re not careful and diligent in the word everyday, the devil and your own sinful ways weave into your life and drown you. See what your world looks like with two different perspectives…

What would the world look like if the devil had its way in our lives?

Where Satan has his way….

1.) People keep giving CPR to their own past.

Meaning, we keep falling into our own habits of sin. We need to ask ourselves, “Am I really changing?” Aren’t we sick of tweaking instead of being transformed? Jesus is NOT a chiropractor.

2.) People have no voice.

It’s our privilege and responsibility to speak up; don’t let Satan talk for you. The most intimidating thing to him is our voice when we breathe God’s word.

3.) People do self-harm.

We don’t take care of ourselves spiritually.

4.) People are out of control and out of community.

We don’t have as much self-control as we do when we are guided by the spirit to make better decisions. We are less motivated to have Christian accountability. You cannot fulfill your calling without other believers.

What would the world look like if Jesus had his full way in our lives?

Where Jesus has his way…

1.) Demons have to flee.

Pslam 68:1: “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him."

2.) People find a sane place in His presence.

Anxiety is always rooted in distrust to God.

3.) People are robed in worth and dignity.

Before the fall, we were uncovered and unashamed. After we sinned, we became shameful beings. Thankfully, Jesus’ redemption allowed us to be covered and unashamed. We are now covered in a robe full of worth and dignity and proudly show Jesus.

4.) People go and tell their stories.

We aren’t afraid to hold back from telling others about Jesus. Our lives are examples of Him, and He’s redeemed us from our sins.

In order to not fear the future and let God be in control, we must be diligent in reading scripture and incorporating prayer into our daily lives. God’s word is the foundation of our lives. How can a house stand and be sturdy if the foundation is weak and brittle? Flee from noise of this world by hearing God’s voice each day. If you want to learn how to read through the Bible, I encourage you to read The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro. It's helped me and spoken to me in so many ways.

Keep your focus on the cross and you'll succeed (He promises).

#charismachatt #chattanooga #lifestyle #advice