It Never Pays to Be Afraid

All of us, at one time or another, are driven by fear. Fear creeps up in us and takes us by surprise whenever we are making big plans. Fear is a reality for everyone, yet for the believer it is a sign. Fear serves us in two unique ways: The first way is that fear can be a warning. Fear warns us to think things through, to make our plans well, to seek advice and advisors. This is a healthy fear that normally means you are thinking ahead to avoid typical pitfalls. Yet, for the believer, fear also serves us in a way you may not have thought about: Fear can also be a sign you area heading in the right direction. The truth is that any time we are doing something new, something daring, even adventurous, it will conjure up fear in our hearts. This fear can cause us to stop what we are doing because “it just doesn’t feel right.” The “feel right” feeling only happens when you are doing things that are familiar or come easy to you. The reality is that if you want to take new ground in your life, passing into unchartered territory will require you to “feel the fear…and do it anyway.” So fear not! Take courage, because you are filled with the destiny of God in you. It’s time to take action in spite of your fears, and allow your faith to be fed, and at the same time starve your doubts to death. As you move forward taking new ground, remember “And, Surely I am with you, always.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)

Comments

[Steve Wulf]

Bil,

Thanks for you post today. I'm on the precipice of launching a new church in Tampa. We are only two weeks away, and to be honest with you...I'm scared, but I know that it is a healthy fear because I'm stepping out into the unknown that God has called me to do. Your post was a confirmation to that.

[scott weatherford]

Bil,

This is so well said and with such great timing. Tara and I are starting a new business while in the middle of launching this new church. We are risking everything in our lives to make Jesus famous in Tallahassee. Fear is real and not from God (2 Tim. 1:7) No risk no reward! Thanks for the reminder and the friendship. No Fear!!