Why do you give up, before ever giving it a proper go?
These words were said to me by someone very dear to me recently, and it really forced me to think about it, because I never realised that it had become a bad habit that was stopping me from growing and experiencing something new. I suppose I would hide behind the thought (the lie):
It’s just not me, I know I can’t do it, so I’m just being realistic by saying no!
Actually I was over thinking it all and trying to find a way out, because deep down inside, if I had too be honest with myself, I was just afraid. I was afraid of doing something that would make me feel uncomfortable; I was afraid of doing something that would maybe expose my weakness; or I was afraid of potentially failing; or afraid of potentially disappointing others. It actually seemed fair to give up right from the get go – in that way everyone would be spared from potential disasters.
Recently I had the opportunity to try something new, something that was completely out of my comfort zone, and it made me feel so anxious because I was so scared that I wouldn’t be able to live up to expectations and I was afraid I would fail. I had agreed to do it, because I wanted to do it, but the process to getting to it was a roller coaster filled with “what if’s”. However, I knew I had to go through with it, and face these obstacles so that I can overcome this area in my life. It wasn’t easy for me, as it was a real fear for me. But I knew that I couldn’t keep on letting the fear rule my life in such a way that it would continually steal from me.
WHEN WE GIVE UP BECAUSE OF FEAR, WHAT WE ARE REALLY SAYING IS :
1. I don’t believe in myself.
2. I’m scared to learn something new, something that may make me feel uncomfortable, or vulnerable.
3. I don’t trust in God.
FIGHT FEAR WITH STEPS OF FAITH
I suppose because we have experienced disappointment from the world, we become fearful, and struggle to trust completely in God. We then start to live a very sheltered life, and keep our guard up as means of protecting ourselves from potential harm. Sometimes the best place to be, is when we just lean into God with everything that we’ve got, and let Him carry us and let Him show us how to become more brave and courageous.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 56:3The Lord is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusts.
Psalm 28:7So 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.
Isaiah 41:10
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
The more time we make in getting to know God by reading the Bible, by talking to him daily, and by acknowledging when God has answered a prayer, the more we start to trust in Him, and our faith starts to mature. When we trust in God, it requires a faith action; it requires us to step towards the fear trusting that God will go before us and that He will walk us through it. No matter what happens God is still in control, and He will always have our best interests at heart.
THE TRUTH ABOUT FEAR
The truth about fear is that it steals from us, it lies to us , it controls us, it holds us back, it traps us, and it causes us to feel anxious and miserable. However, the good news is that God has called us to be more than conquerers, He calls us to be brave, He calls us to be the head and not the tail. He sees us as His royal heirs. He created us in His image, therefore we are destined to be pretty awesome in the things that He has gifted us to do.
But the Lord stood with me, and gave me strength.
2 Timothy 4:17
I believe that with God at our side, we can overcome all fears, and I believe that God wants us to go boldly into the unknown, knowing and trusting that God will be with us every single step of the way. Don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing the fullness of what God has in store for you. Overcome your fear by taking small, daily steps of faith!
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