Readers can turn fear into power by trusting God and believing that a faithful, focused relationship with Him can make all the difference. Author Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning provides nine God-given lessons, showing readers how to fortify themselves for future challenges, unlock their spiritual potential and live life fearlessly. Included is a section that lists scriptures to strengthen the reader’s faith and to restore their focus on God.   Faithful, Focused, and Fearless is one of he timeliest labors of love you will read from now until you believe that you are just those things. Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning’s encouraging words are divinely handcrafted to help you navigate these tough times and burst forth after the storms. —Yolanda Adams Daughter in the Ministry Gospel artist   Rev. Dr. Browning’s newest book will inspire your spirit, calm your fears, and help you live a life that is empowered by faith. Her lessons provide the guidance you need to live your life to God’s honor and glory, and to reap the benefits of His promises to you. —Dr. Dorothy I. Height Chair/President Emeritus National Council of Negro Women (Born 3-24-1912 — Died 4-20-2010)   In these days of chaos caused by the collapse of everything that is “important,” we are desperately grateful for this instructional manual that teaches us lessons in future formation grounded in faith and lived without fear. I beg you—don’t try to live life without it! —Dr. Carolyn Showell Baltimore Hebrew University   Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning is the co-pastor of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, where she serves in ministry with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr., who is the senior pastor. Under the Brownings’ leadership, the church, which began in 1983, has grown from 17 members to more than 8,000. Dr. Browning graduated from Boston University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the Howard University School of Divinity. Over the years, her ministry has transformed the lives of individuals and families. She serves on several boards, and has received numerous religious and community awards. In addition, she has preached, taught, and facilitated workshops throughout the United States and abroad.   EMBRACE YOUR GOD-GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES Trust me, you are not the only one who is afraid. Things are tough right now, and we have all, in one way or another, wondered if we will make it through. The country is in a recession, unemployment is at a record high, foreclosures are on the rise, there are wars and rumors of war, natural disasters are becoming more commonplace, and new diseases threaten us on a regular basis—it’s easy to feel afraid during these times. It’s a fact of life—you will endure trials and tribulations; but, if you are willing to trust God, He will show you the purpose of the process. I have journeyed with God long enough to realize that times like these are really blessed opportunities for God’s people to grow in faith. This is no time to give in to fear—now is the time for you to take your faith and your confidence in God to the next level. It’s time for you to embrace who you are in Christ Jesus and whose you are in the Lord. When you are unclear about where your strength comes from, you begin to compromise and reach out for worldly solutions. When you’re not sure that you can make it, you tend to turn away from God and you start to seek guidance from friends, co-workers, family members, even strangers. It is critical that you stay in touch with God in times of trouble. When you find yourself in the midst of a crisis, it is imperative that you take a moment to get honest with yourself and seek Christ. When you know how to tap into the power of Christ that lives on the inside of you, you will know in your spirit, on the inside, that everything is going to be all right. You will land on your feet. God will enable you to go through and get over your problems. I wrote this chapter specifically to encourage your troubled soul. The Lord wants you to face your problems from a perspective of empowerment. You might feel beat down because of what you’ve been going through. But God wants you to realize that you are a conqueror in Christ. Right now, you may feel so discouraged that all you want to do is give up. My prayer is that this chapter will encourage you. Don’t give up; don’t get weak. Refuse to compromise—this is your blessed opportunity to believe and trust that God will turn your situation around. Keep telling yourself: “I am a conqueror, and I shall triumph over this thing and have the victory.” Before long, you’ll believe it. God knows that the enemy is trying to destroy you. You need to know that because of who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall conquer the enemy. This time you will not shrink. This time you will not be defeated. You will not fear. You will not compromise. This time you shall conquer the