Friends,
This is a post I had on my website. I have transferred it to our new blogger account. Please check back soon for another post.
This week I’m faced with the challenge of finishing the final touches on my office, sending out invitations, and getting food ready for our open house. On the one hand, I’m thrilled that it’s actually happening! The vision God gave me over twenty years ago is being fulfilled. It’s been amazing how He has opened every door for me, given me the faith to see it through, and loved me even when I doubted. On the other hand, I’m terrified! What if I mess it up? What if no one comes? Even worse, what if lots of people show up? Will I know what to say? Will I make a fool of myself? Where do the questions and doubts stop?
You might be thinking, “What kind of therapist doesn’t know how to handle the giants in their life? If they don’t know how to cope, what hope do I have? How could they possibly help me?” You are correct to think these things.
I recognize my anxiety level is rising and I’m freezing up and not accomplishing a thing. Then I remember what a wise counselor told me many years ago. I need to REED (Roberts, R, 2007).
REED is an acronym for Recognize, Express, Evaluate, and Decide. It is part of Lesson 6 in Be Transformed by Renee Roberts (2007). We will be offering this group to help others learn how to incorporate God’s Word when facing their own giants. Please let me offer an example of how powerful REED is by using my current giant situation.
· “Recognize our emotions. We need to acknowledge them. Not ignore them.”
o I feel afraid. I feel anxious. I feel insufficient.· “Express our emotions to God.”
o Lord, I’m afraid of failing myself, my family, my friends, my peers, and especially You. I feel insufficient for the task at hand, and I don’t want to mess things up. Other people are counting on me to get this right. If I don’t succeed, neither will they.· “Evaluate what our emotions are telling us about what we are believing.”
o I’m inadequate.o God will desert me.o I’ll be a failure and become a fool in other people’s eyes.· “Decide to replace our thinking and behavior with God’s Truth.”
o “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIVo The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIVo 7. “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8.”This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:7-8 NIV
So I see how to replace my thoughts with God’s Truth. His Word encourages me to keep walking forward, in His strength, not in my own. I can trust Him to help me or fight for me when I’m facing a giant. I serve a God who is bigger than all my troubles, fears, etc. After all, it’s all about Him.
He wants to minister, through our therapists and His Word, to the hurting people that He will bring through our door. I know that if we lead them to the foot of the cross, they will find grace, forgiveness, mercy, healing, and rest in the hope found only in relationship with Him. That is our goal. This is our mission. To God be the glory!
Thanks for letting me share with you today. I look forward to hearing how God is working in you. You can email me at mistinielsen@turnthetidefamilyservices.org.
Blessings,
Misti
P. S. If you can’t join us for this life-transforming group, you can order your very own copy of Be Transformed from Scope Ministries International.
Leave a Reply