Mark Batterson begins Chapter 3 (“Unlearning Your Fears”) of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by exhorting us not to let mental lions keep us from experiencing everything God has to offer- because the greatest breakthroughs in our lives will happen when we push through the fear. That means we need to face our fears and begin the process of unlearning them.
Unlearning, Pastor Batterson notes, is twice as hard as learning. In addition, it often takes twice as long to unlearn what you’ve learned. The author states: “It is harder to get old thoughts out of your mind than it is to get new thoughts into your mind.” Irrational fears are the most difficult because we can’t use reason with them.
When everything in our life is going great, it’s easy to become complacent and keep our distance from God. In fearful situations, however, we hang on to God for dear life. It is at this point that our Heavenly Father helps us unlearn those fears that are keeping us at bay and causing us to pass up great fulfillment/happiness. God loves us and wants the best for us. Pastor Batterson concludes:
“The goal of love is fearlessness! As we grow in a love relationship with God, we unlearn the fears that paralyze us and neutralize us spiritually. That is the essence of faith.”
Today’s question: What specific fears have paralyzed and neutralized you spiritually during your desert, land between time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation- “Little Big Mom”
