“Find a verse that speaks to an area of your life where you need extra reinforcement. Another is that it should be personalized. One of the guidelines is that the verse should be a call to action. In an appendix, he gives some helpful guidelines for that choice. I was fascinated by a key idea in Hybel’s eighth chapter, “From Drifting to Focused – Claiming God’s Call on your Life.” Among other things, he believes that to keep us on course it’s very helpful to have a “life verse,” which he defines as “a short passage of Scripture that serves as a rallying cry to guide and focus the current season of your life, or your life as a whole.” He encourages the reader to make this a careful and prayerful decision. ![]() Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t have trouble with fear or any of the areas Hybels addresses – a schedule out of control, hurts from the past that haven’t been dealt with, etc.” I’d be surprised that many of you could be thinking that, but even if you are, just know that close to 100% of the people to whom you minister do! Thus, taking a few hours to read and reflect on some practical and biblical solutions in this 300-page book could be life-altering to them. Pray this prayer as often as you need, whenever fear strikes. Prayer: What specific request do you want God to answer regarding your fear? Write your request in one short sentence.Scripture: What are two key verses you can commit to memory that will help you quell your fear?.Self-Talk: What strengths do I possess that will help me say no to this fear? What is the logical truth that most people believe about this fear? (Examples: “The elevator is safe.” “Most dogs are friendly.”).Face Fear Head-On: What is one baby step you will take to face this fear?.Expose Fear’s Lies: What are the lies that fuel this fear? Remember, they may not feel like lies.Can you identify the source? Record any incidents that followed that might have solidified your phobia. Understand Fear’s Origin: Describe the first time you can recall experiencing your fear.By the way, if you really want to get something life changing out of this book, don’t neglect the “action plan” at the end of each chapter. In the action step section at the end of the chapter, he shares a strategy to conquer our fears. Simplifying our lives means ridding ourselves of fears wherever they lurk. Hybels reminds us that though there is a place for constructive fear, destructive fear can paralyze us. Let me share the highlights of a chapter that was personally helpful to me: “Chapter 6: From Anxious to Peaceful – conquering your fears.” Honest confession – I have at times in my life been held back by fear. Speaking from over 35 years of pastoral experience, family experience, and full-life experience, the author writes plainly, honestly, good naturedly, and wisely about the following subjects: ChaptersĬhapter 1: From Exhausted to Energized – replenishing your energy reservesĬhapter 2: From Overscheduled to Organized – harnessing your calendar’s powerĬhapter 3: From Overwhelmed to In Control – mastering your financesĬhapter 4: From Restless to Fulfilled – refining your working worldĬhapter 5: From Wounded to Whole – making room for forgivenessĬhapter 6: From Anxious to Peaceful – conquering your fearsĬhapter 7: From Isolated to Connected – deepening your relational circlesĬhapter 8: From Drifting to Focused – claiming God’s call on your lifeĬhapter 9: From Stuck to Moving On – welcoming new seasons in your lifeĬhapter 10: From Meaningless to Satisfied – the legacy of a simplified life Highlights ![]() If you desire deep exegesis and penetrating theological insights, he’s not your man, but if you want clear and practical teaching from God’s Word on real-life issues, Hybels is a good author to read. Bill Hybels, the founder and pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, is a household name for most evangelicals.
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