What I Learned at IF Gathering 2018 {Choosing Faith Over Fear}
Updated: Jan 13
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:6-10)
Wow. IF (& God!!) did it again. Completely inspired and filled up after hearing from women who have such a big heart for God.
If you haven’t heard about the IF Gathering, it’s all about creating disciples. This year was focused on eliminating doubt and instead fanning the flame of our faith.
Friends- let’s consider what it is that ignites our flame and what it is that threatens to dim it.
What are your flame igniters? What puts your heart on fire for Jesus?
For me, there are a few ways to help fan the flame, if you will.
First, getting into His word is always a great place to start. There’s nothing quite like hearing directly from the source.
Spending time in community. Lunch with a friend, studying the bible with my small group, worshipping at church, things like that!
Using my spiritual gifts. Understanding what God has blessed you with, and then using it to serve others is SO rewarding!! Friends- remember that God has given you unique strengths to use and bless His kingdom with. For so long, I had so much doubt about this and struggled to accept it. I felt that I didn’t have anything special to offer, and everyone else was just like me, except only better. Still not sure that you are set apart? As Christine Caine shared… your time is NOW! And how does she know it? Because you’re ALIVE! It’s really quite as simple as that. She encouraged us to fix our eyes on Jesus & not to miss our race because we are so consumed with watching someone else’s.
(Tip: Reflect on the blessings that has God entrusted you with. How might you serve others well with these gifts?)
And as silly as it might sound, taking care of myself. When I get enough sleep and exercise, everything else better falls into place. It gives me energy to fan the flame.
And last but not least, spend time in prayer with Him. Listen to what He has to share with you. Make space to let that happen.
Bottom line- choose faith over fear, you guys.
And as Jennie Allen shared, let your desire to glorify God be stronger than your desire to be comfortable.
Ok, so next up… flame extinguishers.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1: 5-6)
What is it that threatens to dim the light inside of you?
For me, oftentimes that can look like fear or doubt. Not believing or trusting. It is an ugly road to walk down.
It can also look like getting distracted by what others are doing instead of what I should be doing (social media black hole, anyone?).
Ann Voskamp spoke about being a grown woman drinking proverbial mud soup. I know for me, sometimes that mud soup looks like getting consumed with others’ lives and not focusing on my own path that God’s set before me.
Friends- let us instead be concerned with what God's word, and not the world, says. Cultivate your relationship with Jesus and find your strength in Him. Be bold in your faith to love and disciple others well.
Did you attend IF Gathering, or watch it on a simulcast? What were your biggest takeaways?!
Grace Space Christian Coaching Questions:
What triggers your fear or doubt for you?
How can you combat that fear with your faith?
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