The unsettling voice of the pilot wafted over the intercom mid-flight warning of unstable conditions in the atmosphere, and this would result in quite a bumpy ride. I wondered; how can an airplane ride be bumpy? Is the Boeing 737 tripping over air molecules? What are those clouds made of anyway?

The “Fasten seatbelt” signs remained on for the remainder of the flight as we jolted and bounced throughout our descent into Chicago’s Midway airport. Drink and snack service was put to a halt as well for the safety of the flight crew.

Once we landed, I had about 30 minutes to grab a Starbucks before catching my connecting flight to Atlanta. While I waited at the gate, I could hear the frenzied talk of many of the passengers as they recounted their nightmarish flights into Chicago to catch a connecting flight. Apparently, the airplane I was on was not the only one that felt like a giant maraca being shaken through the sky. What most of these travelers had in common was anxiety about getting on another plane while the weather was unstable.

Because I fly so often, I have enough experience to know that this was “just one of those flights.” I was able to relax and enjoy my coffee and my book without any apprehension about my next flight. As I boarded the plane and took my seat, the stewardess talked to me about sitting by the emergency exit. I had to promise that I was physically able and willing to assist passengers in the event of an emergency. However, the woman sitting next to me began breathing heavily and white knuckling the arm rest between our seats. The rough flight into Chicago combined with the talk by the stewardess caused a surge of fear to overwhelm her.

As the plane started rolling and began picking up speed on the runway before take-off, the woman next to me was on the verge of a panic attack. She kept saying, “Oh Lord, help me! Oh Lord! Oh Lord!” She looked over at me and said, “I hate flying!” I put my hand on her arm and said, “It’s going to be OK.”

Finally, the plane lifted, and we were air-born. She cried out, “Thank You, God! We did it!” She said repeatedly, “This isn’t so bad. I’m OK.” She began smiling and nervously laughing, obviously relieved. This had only been her second time flying, and her experience descending into Chicago had shaken her.

She had all the signs of being in the relentless grip of the giant of FEAR.

I don’t usually talk much on an airplane, but I kept a conversation going with her until she was able to relax and calm down. Interestingly, I had been reading the book, “Goliath Must Fall” before she boarded the plane. Once she was at peace, I picked the book back up and began reading again. Ironically, I was reading chapter 3, “Fear Must Fall.” Perfect timing! She looked over my arm and began reading my book with me.

After several pages, she began talking about how the book was speaking to her. It was obvious she wasn’t going to let me read any longer, but that was OK. She talked to me about how the giant of fear had been taunting her. However, she was a believer, and she knew that she had victory over fear through Christ. She seemed to really enjoy talking about the Lord, and in her nervousness, she was quite chatty. Regardless, as we talked about the story of David and Goliath, I witnessed her countenance change through the power of God’s Word.

Eventually, she began looking out the window and declaring how gorgeous the clouds were. The very same clouds that had caused the storm and had shaken her before were now beautiful to her from this new perspective. We talked about how very much like life this is. From the ground, or in the midst of those storm clouds, they were quite ominous and overwhelming. However, when we cling to Christ as our deliverer, He allows us to rise above the clouds, or in our case, our giants, and see them from a totally different perspective, that is from a standpoint of victory and freedom. How beautiful those clouds suddenly become!

This may not be the final encounter she will ever have with anxiety, but my prayer is that she will remember how she found peace and calm through the Word of God, and that she will turn to Christ as her Champion whenever she feels afraid.

When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 ESV

I find it very interesting that the command to “Fear not” is found more often in Scripture than just about any other command. Some have counted 366 “Fear nots” in the Bible, which is one for every day of the year, even Leap Year. Why do you think that is?

My assertion is that this command is so prevalent because God knew this would be something we would all struggle with in our lives.

You may be thinking that you don’t deal with fear very often, and that this chapter may not be for you. However, fear has some cousins that you might recognize: anxiety, stress, worry, nervousness, dread, tension, or “tummy trouble.” While you may or may not deal with sheer terror, you may be well acquainted with its minions that consequently still rob you of your peace, freedom, and God’s glory from shining through your life.

Keep in mind that there is a healthy emotion of fear that can also be referred to as “good sense.” For example, you will feel some fear of standing on the ledge of a 50-story building or of wading through an alligator filled swamp. God gave us this type of fear, which is a chemical reaction in our brains that gives us the power to get away from a threat or to protect ourselves from harm. This isn’t the fear that taunts us.

Another type of fear is an awe-filled reverence for the majesty and glory of God Most High. Again, this is not the fear we are talking about.

The giant of fear has its grips on us when it begins to control or adversely affect our lives. As we learned last week, Goliath has already been defeated, but he can still cause harm if we “step on his poisonous fangs.” We need to line our hearts and thoughts up with the truth found in God’s Word that tells us that Christ defeated our enemy on the cross, that no one can ever snatch us from the hands of God, that God has given us peace in the midst of our storms, and that God will work everything out for our good and for His glory. It is truth that will cause the enemy’s lies to crumble and fall.

“Hearing Jesus and seeing Jesus and focusing on Jesus builds up our faith, and faith is the antidote to fear. The opposite of fear is not being bold and courageous. The opposite of fear is faith. And faith begins by us saying, ‘I have confidence in God that he is bigger than this giant.’” ~Louie Giglio

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18a ESV

In chapter 3 of the book, Goliath Must Fall, Louie Giglio talks about three things that are at the root of fear. Fear is not the ultimate problem, but it is a symptom of a deeper issue.

1. Fear comes from our conditioning. Often our fears develop from our upbringing. It is more than just having cautious parents, but it is when someone is raised with a perpetual feeling that something bad is going to happen. Life is a constant threat.
2. Fear comes from our concealing. Another source of fear is when we are hiding a part of ourselves, and we are petrified at the idea that someone will discover our “secret.” What if someone finds out what we are really like? The shame of our past or the worry that someone may discover our flaws can be a tremendous source of stress or anxiety. Our mistakes, sins, and flaws were not meant to eat away at us, but God intends for us to lay them at the foot of the cross and be free.
3. Fear comes from our controlling. When we feel the need to control people, relationships, our circumstances, or the outcome of everything in and around our lives, we can go nuts. This person may be a problem-solver or a visionary who feels the need to fix things or people and may not recognize the root of their anxiety. A controlling person is afraid of anything they can’t control, but ask yourself this: “What in your life have you truly ever controlled?”

The solution is not more determination. The solution is faith. Our giants can taunt us, but they don’t have ultimate power. Jesus has the ultimate power. Jesus builds up our faith, and faith is the antidote to fear. Faith is saying, “I have confidence in God that He is bigger than this giant.” ~Louie Giglio

When we see and hear God in and through his Word, the Word allows us to hear that Jesus is enough and to see that God is bigger. That builds up our faith, and our faith becomes the stone that shuts up the giant that’s already defeated, the giant called fear. When we hear and see Jesus, things change in our lives. ~Louie Giglio

The antidote to fear is faith, and the soundtrack of faith is worship. ~Louie Giglio

Finally, Louie gives us FOUR truths about our faith that will allow us to experience victory over the giant of fear.

1. We remind ourselves that God is able. Search Scripture for stories and verses that remind you of the greatness and might of God. He is able to do exceedingly above and beyond all that we can ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
2. We set the Lord always before us. Jesus lives in us when the giant taunts us and when the storm comes. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 ESV
3. We name what’s keeping us up at night. Recognize and confess what is at the root of your fear.
4. We fill our mouths with praise. We recall the goodness and faithfulness of our God. We focus on what He has done and will do instead of on our circumstances. We proclaim His worth. “Worship and worry cannot occupy the same space; they can’t both fill our mouths at the same time. One always displaces the other.” Worship doesn’t deny the truth of what is causing us to worry, but it puts our fear into its proper perspective. Put on, “The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:3)

What is it that causes you to fear? Or, what is your source of anxiety? About what do you worry most? What keeps you up at night and causes knots in your stomach? Whether it is a rational or an irrational fear; whether it is a full-force terrifying feeling or merely a minor sense of dread; or, if you are overcome by a sense that something bad is about happen, but you have no basis for this feeling; however the giant of fear manifests itself, the remedy is still the same. Lean into the all-sufficiency of Christ. He has already defeated Goliath and nailed fear to the cross. Line up your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings to the truth in God’s Word, and put your faith in God. Faith will kick Fear’s hiney every time!

Week 2 Assignments

1. Watch Louie Giglio’s Session 2 Video from Goliath Must Fall: Dead but Still Deadly. (All 6 videos are available at this link.)
2. Watch my video for Week 2 (available on Wednesday).
3. Read pp. 27-35 in the study guide and do one or all of the activities on pp. 37-42 of the study guide. Have fun with these!
4. Optional: Read chapter 3 of the companion book, Goliath Must Fall (white book).
5. Participate in a small group at Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study on Facebook. See pinned post for directions and schedule.
6. Be sure to check out our 10 Days of Giving Thanks!

Week 2 Discussion Questions

Here is a sneak peek of the questions we will be discussing this week in our small groups.

In Week 1, we learned that Jesus has already defeated Goliath, and we fight FROM a position of victory rather than striving FOR victory. It is God’s will for us to be set free and to live victoriously, yet He allows us to experience problems in our lives to help us grow and develop strength. Ultimately, it is to allow His glory to show through our lives.

Although Satan is already defeated, he still strives to rob from us, and he can still cause harm. When we are taunted and demoralized by our giants, we have learned to lean into the all-sufficiency of Jesus and find all we need in Him. We do not fight our giants alone, but we go with the strength and power of Christ working in and through us.

QUESTION 1: What are some things we tend to rely on, apart from Christ, to give us a more fulfilling and abundant life? How can trusting Christ instead bring us true fulfillment?

QUESTION 2: Our ultimate defense against the enemy is leaning into the all-sufficiency of Christ. What does His all-sufficiency mean? How can we lean into it?

QUESTION 3: The opposite of fear isn’t courage. It’s faith. How does our faith in Christ help us combat the giant of fear? What do we need to believe about Christ?

QUESTION 4: How can we make this a safe place to share our fears and anxieties with each other so that we may help each other defeat them? What are some of the things you fear, dread, worry about, or that keep you awake at night?

QUESTION 5: What role can praise and worship have in dealing with fear? Why are these so important?

QUESTION 6: What truth has stood out to you most from our study so far?

Reading Schedule

• November 6-12, Week 1: “Dead but Still Deadly” 
  • Study Guide pp. 11-26 | (optional) Companion book, chapters 1-2
• November 13-19, Week 2: “Fear Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 27-42 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 3
• November 20-26, Week 3: “Rejection Must Fall” (HAPPY THANKSGIVING!)
  • Study Guide, pp. 43-60 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 4
• November 27-December 3, Week 4: “Comfort Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 61-76 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 5
• December 4-10, Week 5: “Anger Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 77-94 | (optional) Companion book, chapter 6
• December 11-17, Week 6: “Addiction Must Fall”
  • Study Guide, pp. 95-110 | (optional) Companion book, chapters 7-9
• December 18-24, Catch Up Week
  • Small groups: Wrap up study

How This Works

1. If you have not done so already, please register by leaving your name and email address below.
2. Purchase the study book and companion book (optional).
3. Subscribe to this site to receive future updates by email. Enter your email address in the field to the right, and then click the subscribe button.
4. Join our closed Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for weekly interaction, activities, videos, and small group sessions. Closed means that no one will be able to see our posts unless they are members of the group. This is for your safety and privacy.
5. Small Groups: See the pinned post at the top of the Facebook group, Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study, for the schedule and instructions. All you need to do is show up at the scheduled day and time, and the discussion will take place underneath the group photo. 
6. Follow my ministry page on Facebook, Shari Lewis Ministries, to stay up-to-date on ministry events and for daily prayers, nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for your life, photos that you are welcome to share, and faith building blog posts to strengthen you in your walk with Christ.

What is Coming Up at Heart to Heart?

1. 10 Days of Giving Thanks, beginning November 13: We will have a daily devotion and activities to help make your Thanksgiving season more meaningful and worshipful.
2. Advent videos, beginning December 3: This is going to be the most awesome Christmas season ever! During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will have live videos on Facebook with a devotion, traditional candle lighting, and something special each week to make this Christmas season more joyful and Christ-centered. This will include weekly devotions on the blog and fun activities in the Facebook group as well!
3. In-depth study of the book of Genesis, beginning January 15: We will study the book, The Promised One (A 10-week Bible Study): Seeing Jesus in Genesis, by Nancy Guthrie.

 

Whew! I am so excited about all the awesome things we have in store at Heart to Heart, but especially beginning this new study with you this week! I am so ready for the giants in our lives to be defeated once and for all! I can’t wait to see what God will do in our lives over the course of these next few weeks. By the power and authority of Jesus Christ, we really can live free!

I hope to see you in a small group this week!

God bless!