The Journey Back: Week One Devos

The Journey Back from Fear

In this week-long devotional, "The Journey Back from Fear," we explore the profound truth that God's favor is the antidote to the fears that often weigh us down. Drawing from the story of Mary and Joseph in Luke 1, we delve into the fears of failure, rejection, and inadequacy that they faced and how God's favor provided them with courage and strength. Each day, we will reflect on a specific aspect of fear, supported by Scripture, and engage in practical action steps to help us embrace God's grace and live in the freedom and confidence that His Spirit provides. As we journey through these devotions, we are reminded that God's favor is not just for the afterlife but is a powerful force for today, offering forgiveness, freedom, and the assurance that we are enough in Christ. Join us as we walk out of fear and into the favor that God has graciously extended to us.

Day 1: Understanding Fear and Favor

Luke 1:26-30 (NLT)
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee,
27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”

Reflect on the fear that Mary experienced when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Consider the fears you face in your own life. What are the fears that have been weighing you down? Today, meditate on the truth that God’s favor is upon you, just as it was upon Mary. Pray for the courage to trust in God’s favor and grace.

Action Step:
Write down one fear you are currently facing and next to it, write "God's favor is with me." Place it somewhere you will see it daily.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize the fears in my life and to trust in Your favor. Remind me that Your grace is sufficient for me, and that I am not alone in my struggles. Amen.

Day 2: The Fear of Failure

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Reflect on the fear of failure that Mary and Joseph might have felt. Consider how this fear manifests in your own life. Remember that God’s favor means you are forgiven and empowered. With God’s strength, you can overcome the fear of failure.

Action Step:
Identify one task or goal you have been avoiding due to fear of failure. Take a small step towards it today, trusting in God's strength.

Prayer:
Father, I often fear failing and not living up to expectations. Help me to rely on Your strength and to remember that with You, I can do all things. Amen.

Day 3: The Fear of Rejection

Romans 8:31-39 (NLT)
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.
34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”)
37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Think about the fear of rejection that Mary and Joseph faced. Reflect on how this fear affects your relationships and decisions. God’s favor assures you that you are accepted and loved. Let this truth guide you in overcoming the fear of rejection.

Action Step:
Reach out to someone you have been hesitant to connect with due to fear of rejection. Offer a word of encouragement or simply say hello.

Prayer:
Lord, I fear being rejected by others. Remind me that Your love is unconditional and that nothing can separate me from Your love. Help me to find my identity in You. Amen.

Day 4: The Fear of Not Being Enough

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Consider the fear of not being enough that Mary and Joseph might have felt. Reflect on areas in your life where you feel inadequate. God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness. Trust that you are enough in Christ.

Action Step:
List three strengths or qualities that God has given you. Thank Him for these gifts and how they make you enough in His eyes.

Prayer:
Jesus, I often feel like I am not enough. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and to trust that Your grace is sufficient for me. Amen.

Day 5: Embracing God’s Favor

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Reflect on what it means to have God’s favor. It is not just for the afterlife but for today. God’s favor brings forgiveness and freedom. Embrace this truth and let it transform your perspective and actions.

Action Step:
Share with someone today about a time you experienced God's favor in your life. Encourage them with your testimony.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor and grace. Help me to live in the freedom and forgiveness that You have given me. Let Your favor guide my steps today. Amen.

Day 6: Walking in Freedom

Galatians 5:1 (NLT)
1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Reflect on the freedom that comes from God’s favor. Consider how this freedom can change the way you live and interact with others. Let go of the fears that have held you back and walk confidently in the freedom Christ offers.

Action Step:
Identify one area of your life where you feel bound by fear or past mistakes. Take a step today to release it to God and walk in freedom.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the freedom I have in You. Help me to walk boldly and confidently, free from the chains of fear. Amen.

Day 7: Living in God’s Spirit

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Reflect on the Spirit of God that dwells within you. It is not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. As you conclude this week, commit to living in the strength and confidence that comes from God’s Spirit.

Action Step:
Spend a few moments in prayer today, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power, love, and self-discipline. Write down any insights or encouragement you receive.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and love. Help me to live each day with confidence, knowing that You are with me. Amen.

As you journey through this week, remember that God’s favor is the way back from fear. Embrace His grace, live in His freedom, and walk in His Spirit.