When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. ~ Sarah Young, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
What are you afraid of? What haunts your thoughts and drags your dreams through the muck and mire? What immobilizes you?
image: microsoft clipart
Lately I’ve been caught, trapped, by my fears, my insecurities.
- What if the people at this new church don’t like me?
- What if my next ebook is a flop?
- What if my blog withers up?
- What if my writing is bad?
- What if …
And so the cycle goes. The “What ifs” are all tied up in my fears, my self-doubt … and sometimes even my self-loathing. I ask myself, “What are you afraid of?” And the answers ring through my head and my heart.
I’m afraid of failure.
And I’m afraid of success.
That combination leaves me unable to move, paralyzed. Instead of rushing toward the dreams God has placed in my heart, I talk myself out of trying … because what if no one likes it or {perhaps more frightening} what if they do? How will failure or success change me. Will it move me closer to Him or further away?
Instead I stay put. Doing only what comes easily, without effort, never pushing myself too hard. Immobilized in mediocrity, the status quo.
I’m not a risk-taker, never have been. I like safe. I crave the known. I’m not brave.
But the God who breathes words into my heart calls me to risk, to step into the unknown. To write those Bible studies, to share what He’s taught me about living for Him. I’m taking hold of this verse, claiming it – though my heart doesn’t feel it – stepping forward in faith:
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self–control. 2 Timothy1:7 ESV
It’s a choice … a choice for freedom not bondage.
And I make it, today … I choose not to be afraid.
What about you? What fears keep you from following God’s plans for your life? How do you overcome the fears in your life?
Great post! I feel as though I wrote it because I can relate to every line. I fear “the work” involved to accomplish the dream, goal, or aspiration. Fear of “the work” has left me paralyzed, unable to take the necessary steps. Other times fear of “the work” has caused me to procrastinate. This is the first time that I’ve actually put into words my actual fear. Starting today (thanks to your post) I’m pushing past the fear and tackling “the work”. Besides, I’m on a deadline!!!
Oh Maria, I’m so glad I’m not alone! I too am a bit afraid (or maybe just intimidated) by “the work.” Praying for you as you push through!!
Teri Lynne Underwood recently posted…Monday Morning Goodness
Oh friend this speaks to me today. My analysis paralysis keeps me in chains! Thank you for 1) reassuring me that I’m not alone suffering in fear; 2) encouraging me to be bold in faith, not timid, and to cast aside all pride, selfish ambition and DO what I was called to do. (after my next cup of coffee, of course). xo
“Analysis paralysis” … I’m with you! And so thankful for your sweet friendship!
Teri Lynne Underwood recently posted…There’s Just No Guarantee
I know God is speaking to me because this is maybe the third post I have read today about the fear of something (being perfect, what people will think, etc.) I am afraid right now of not knowing my way – not knowing how to do what God has called me to do. I am having a hard time managing my time because I don’t know what I need to be doing NOW. I can only see the big picture, but don’t know how to get there. I’m afraid of the little steps and messing them up or not being productive. I need to keep feeding my thoughts God’s truth – 2 Timothy 1:7!
Thank you for this post today!!
Oh girl! I can so relate to that sense of not knowing how to get there! Here’s to taking that first little step!
Teri Lynne Underwood recently posted…Our High Calling
I can sooooo totally relate.
Oh my friend! I know you can … praying with and for you!!
Teri Lynne Underwood recently posted…{Top Ten} Quotes from Parenting Wild Things
I definitely fear failure but never thought about fearing success. I guess it is because fear has kept me from trying so many things. I also fear my own pride. I have a chance to lead a workshop at a women’s retreat in October. I am fearful, struggling with pride but feel God leading me. I am definitely stepping out on faith and hoping what I share will speak to others. BUT it is scary!
Goodness how I wish getting rid of fear/worry/doubt was as easy Mary Poppins snapping her fingers. But as others have said you are not alone! And I find stating it out loud is the 1st step in letting it not win. I was actually working on my posts on the same subject for Cravings next week…looks like we need constant reminders about it. Praying for your journey. With Joy, Carey
Fear is what kept me from making those keychain tassels until I absolutely had to or not go to Relevant. What if I can’t figure out the design? What if they’re ugly? What if no one buys them?
I had to step out and do something, and that’s when something amazing happened. My cousin called me out of the blue and told me she wanted to give me the money for my plane ticket. My husband is convinced that God was waiting for me to step out in faith before He allowed the provision to show up. If I would just learn from that in every area of my life!
I still need the money for my room and other expenses, but at least the most pressing burden is lifted!
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