How do you react to fear of the unknown when it comes to stepping out in faith? I remember the first time I spoke in front of a crowd with a microphone. I was terrified! I was speaking on Unshakable Confidence in Christ, but my knees were shaking uncontrollably!
Everyone has his or her own unique way of talking themselves out of taking those first steps. Some respond to fear by retreating to the safety of cul-de-sac Christianity, which is actually one of the most dangerous places of all. Dale Carnegie once said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home, and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
You will not become be more courageous and learn to live boldly by avoiding your fears. Courage based on the faithfulness and love of God is strengthened with every step of faith, no matter how small.
- Write a proposal.
- Start the conversation.
- Create the blog.
- Make the donation.
- Mend a relationship.
- Put into practice what you’ve put in your head.
Each step of obedience creates momentum that breaks through the stronghold of fear.
The woman who lives life to the fullest is generally the one who is willing to do and to dare. Allow God to infuse you with an enthusiasm and gusto that gives fear the boot right out the door, with you following close behind.
As you consider what might happen if you step out in faith, you must also consider what will happen if you play it safe and don’t. When we live boldly, we experience God’s blessings. When we don’t, we won’t.
The fact is, we all experience fear at one time or another. We fear things we can’t control, and fear things we can. We fear terrorist attacks and breast cancer. We fear losing a child and the death of a spouse. We fear financial loss and relational ruin. We fear being alone and being lonely. We fear rejection.
Some researchers say there are more than 366 verses in the Bible that encourage us to not be afraid. I’m not sure if that number is correct, but I do know it is a continuous thread weaving a tapestry of truth throughout the Scriptures. Why is that? God knew we would struggle with it!
“Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous,” God encouraged Joshua. “Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged. For I the Lord am with you wherever you may go” (Josh. 1:9).
God encouraged the Israelites:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers,
They will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
You will not be burned;
The flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1b-3a).
Your fear is fueled by your focus. Your faith is fueled by your focus. What are you focusing on today? What thoughts are fueling your tank?
I don’t want to die with gas still in the tank. I want to live boldly—for God to use me until I’m all used up. But in order to do that, I must put the fear of failure, of embarrassment, of humiliation, or intimidation aside and take a step of faith.
And you can too!
Dear Lord, sometimes I am afraid to move forward in what I know You are calling me to do. Give me the courage and the confidence to allow faith to fuel my focus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Question: What Scripture do you cling to when you feel afraid to move forward in life or ministry?
About Sharon Jaynes
Sharon Jaynes has been encouraging women through ministry for over twenty-five years. From the time she met Christ as a teenager, she fell in love with God’s Word and has had a passion to equip women to live fully and free (John 8:32; John 10:10). Her mission is to help women have a better story with Jesus as the hero. Connect with Sharon at https://sharonjaynes.com/
Today’s blog was adapted from Sharon’s book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. This is a must-read for everyone who desires to let go of everything that holds them back from experiencing the exciting abundant life in Christ and take hold of the giant slaying mountain-moving faith He came to give!