Episode 3 - Faith over Fear - Reflections of the heart

The Illusion of Control

Letting Go of the Reins and Finding True Freedom in Surrender

Do you ever feel like you have to keep everything together… like if you don’t stay in control, everything will fall apart?

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, we confront one of the most convincing lies we’ve bought into: the illusion of control.

For the greater part of my life I thought I was in control of my life, my destiny and that it was my job to figure out my purpose and to fulfill it. The idea of having to ask someone what it is that I am supposed to do, to help me live out my destiny and to be the leader and guide of my life seemed preposterous. I mean I am me. An individual fully capable of making my own choices, gaining the knowledge needed to carry out what it is I feel led and compelled to do and make my mark on this world under my own power. Right? Boy was I wrong. I missed the boat or class or chapter in the book of life that said we were here to please God that He created us for specific purposes and gave us gifts to fulfill those purposes.

For years, I thought I had to figure it all out—plan it, build it, manage it, fix it. I believed my life, my future, and even my purpose were solely mine to shape. But the truth is: I was never meant to lead - I was created to follow. Not aimlessly, but faithfully. God never called us to carry the weight of control. He called us to surrender.

We’ll explore:

• • The false promises of self-reliance
  • What surrender really means (and what it doesn’t)
  • How Jesus modeled surrender in Gethsemane
  • Why control leads to burnout, but surrender leads to peace
  • My personal story of letting go and what God did in the quiet afterward
    

• This isn’t about giving up—it’s about giving in to a God who already knows the plan and invites us to walk in step with Him.

  If you’re tired, burdened, overwhelmed, or just feeling like life is heavier than it should be—this episode is for you.

  Let’s talk about trading striving for trust. Let’s talk about laying it all down. Let’s talk about freedom in Christ.

  
  

  Scripture references:

  Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

  Proverbs 16:3-4 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

  Luke 9:23 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

  Luke 22:42 - “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

  Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  If you know someone who's struggling with this and could benefit from the ideas discussed please feel free to share it with them.

  To reach me to leave a comment my email address click hereTo subscribe to my Substack here is the link:

  And to read the original post this derived from here is the link: The Illusion of Control

  
  

Faith Over Fear - Episode 2:

What happens when God asks us to stop striving and start surrendering? What if the purpose we’ve been chasing is buried beneath the very pain we’ve tried to forget?

In this deeply personal episode, I share a story I’ve never told this way before - the moment when, as a little girl, I believed the lie that I didn’t matter. A moment that shaped decades of silence, self-doubt, and striving. But I also share how God, in His mercy, is gently unearthing those buried places—not to harm, but to heal. Not to shame, but to restore.

This is for those in a waiting season. The one wrestling with purpose, with pain, and with the fear that they’ve been overlooked by God. It’s for the one who feels tired—not hopeless, not defeated, just worn out from carrying it all. It’s for the one who wonders if their story still matters.

Through honest reflection, scripture, and a lot of grace, we talk about how God redeems what we bury, how He meets us in the stillness, and how sometimes the digging is what leads to the healing.

I don’t have all the answers. I don’t have clarity on every part of the journey. But I do know this: God sees you. He loves you. And He’s not finished with your story.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Share your story. Leave a comment. Message me. Let’s walk this healing road together.

Scripture in this episode:

Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Want to read the original written reflection that inspired this episode? Subscribe on Substack at Why Faith Over Fear.

And if you found hope in this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share. Your voice and presence here mean more than you know.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Faith Over Fear Podcast!

Today, I’m honored to share the heart behind this space.

Faith Over Fear is more than just a title. It’s a declaration. It's a way of life.

In this first episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of learning to choose faith even when fear, shame, and doubt seemed overwhelming.

I know what it feels like to carry the weight of the past. I know how loud fear can be. And I know what it means to walk forward — even when it feels like all you have is a tiny seed of hope.

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:

• Can I really be free from fear?

• Is faith stronger than the battles I face?

• Does God truly meet me in my weakness?

Together, we’ll talk about sacred adversity, the promises of scripture, and the unshakeable truth that God’s voice is louder than any fear we will ever face.

Scriptures Referenced:

• • 2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

  
  

  • Isaiah 41:10 — "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
    

• • Psalms 34:4 — “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

  If you’re carrying heavy burdens today, know this:

• • You are seen.
• • You are loved.
  • You are not fighting alone.
    

• My prayer is that this space reminds you that faith isn’t about being fearless. It's about believing in the One who is greater than our fears.

• Thank you for walking this road with me.

  If this episode encourages you, would you consider:

  ➔ Subscribing to the podcast

  ➔ Leaving a review or sharing it with a friend who needs hope

  ➔ Connecting with me on Substack for weekly reflections at https://substack.com/@whyfaithoverfear

  You are never alone on this journey.

  Until next time, stay rooted in His Word, anchored in His love, and confident that freedom is found on the other side of fear.

  — Kimberly