There are things we all dream of achieving in life; things we hope and pray we might one day accomplish. And why not? I think God has uniquely designed each of us to do great things; to make a difference in the world. I believe we can use the imagination and creativity we’ve been given to come up with some amazingly wonderful ideas for making the world a better place. But all this “making a difference” brings with it the guarantee that obstacles will be faced. And probably the greatest of all of these obstacles is fear: fear of failure and even fear of success.
In the pursuit of accomplishing a dream, fear becomes the giant in our promised land – the Goliath that has caused so many to retreat and tell others to do the same. At first, it seems like there is no way around it. We are initially paralyzed by what appears to be an inextinguishable enemy, but fear has to be faced. How? You must be willing to stand firm, boldly go, and take a giant leap of faith. I know it sounds cliche, but the sound of it doesn’t change the truth of it. The only way to get past fear is to face it head on and push it out of your way. You’ve got to choose to be bold. Take your slingshot and aim high, because fear is rarely what it appears to be. Though it seems all powerful, fear has a weakness and that is the faith that it sees in you! Fear then becomes the challenge you need to help you make the choice between conquering or quitting. Pushing past fear brings you to the realization that, in fact, you are made for greatness. So, go! Press fearlessly in to what God has given you to do. Press in and seize your dreams. God will meet you at your first step of faith, and lead you past fear into your promised land.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
thank you m-k for the message about fear-
wow! how timely it is too! as a creative person i have so many dreams and visions…yet so many are squelched in large part simply of fear and worry. is worry and fear a sin? a lack of trust? some of my christian friends advise me just that.
note: even though carving a career in the art world has been hard going, i’m very grateful for the gift and talent God gave me. and my prayers are unending to discover all facets and treasures it brings.
at least you brought a big smile to me when your name appeared in my email. i miss you dearly:)
m o t
great reminder . . . and coming at a needed time.
an old friend / vietnam vet who used to say that courage was not an absence of fear, but action in the face of fear.
shalom~
dh
I have no idea what to do…I have come across the country on a quest of sorts, a trek or
journey…but now I don’t know what to do? I feel sad and alone. I am in anguish and
anxiety and wonder what I have done with my life and if there is a future where I am at
or if I have to continue to seek out that place…shouldn’t be within? Perfect peace?
Must be a very blue, blue day.
Your letter came at the right time.
Maybe a little less blue, now.
I really appreciate your comments on fear; I have been bound by anxiety since I moved to Edmonton Alberta Canada to realize my dreams.
My wife and I are worshipers – we have written and produced a demo CD and are following the doors God is opening. Also, I am working for a Christian company who is using their profits to fund outreach ministry and community development.
Everything is great and what I have been praying for hoever I was not prepared for the intense anxiety that surfaced (seemingly out of nowhere) when I moved here Jan 2011. Through much seeking, prayer and worship the anxiety has been defeated, it still shows up but I know that feeling is the last ditch effort of the devil – and my Giant trying to keep me from my promissed land.
God Bless
James