When I think back on all my accomplishments in life, they each involved fear. I was afraid to live on my own. I was afraid to have a child. I was afraid to get remarried. I was afraid to teach kids about God. I was afraid to share my first book with anyone. I was afraid to blog. I was afraid to leave my job to write full time…
The list continues…but as I look back, I’m more certain–anything worth doing involves fear.
But–we have fear for a reason. I mean, fear keeps us from doing stupid things like passing a line of vehicles even if the car in front is going thirty miles an hour under the speed limit.
So, how do we know when to allow the fear to keep us from making a mistake and when we should take courage and press forward?
Sounds like that might take knowledge and wisdom.
STEP #1: Seek Knowledge and Wisdom
Since the Bible has stood the test of time, and, unlike any other scholarly text, never needs correction, let’s go there.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5
Want wisdom? God wants to give it to you…just ask!
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” – Proverbs 9:10
What does it mean to fear God? Many theologians with far more understanding and education than I posses have a lot to say about this. Feel free to study it for yourself. But, for simplicity’s sake, I break it down to this: care more about what God thinks about you than what other people think about you. This will lead you to desire His will for your life.
STEP #2: Seek God’s will
There are a few ways to seek God’s will:
1 – Read God’s word
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 – Pray
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
3 – Seek godly counsel
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” – Proverbs 15:22
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” – Proverbs 11:14
Did you catch the keywords in those two verses? Many advisors. Don’t ask just one person…the bigger the decision…the more people you should ask. People aren’t always right (understatement of the year). But if you’re truly seeking God’s will, He will bring people to steer you in the right direction and confirm what others have said.
STEP #3: Step Out in Faith
Once you’ve done all the steps above and receive your answer. Don’t second-guess it. Step out in faith. Sometimes He’ll give you a peace before you take the leap, sometimes it comes after you’ve jumped, but it will come.
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
STEP #4: Don’t Doubt – Trust God
As you move forward, don’t let fear rear its ugly head. There are SO many scriptures about not being afraid, probably because our natural tendency is to fear, particularly when we feel out of control (let’s face it, nothing is really in our control anyway…). Hold on to the scriptures that are most meaningful to you to keep you as you navigate the waters of the unknown. Let them be your compass.
Here are a few to get you started:
“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” – Proverbs 29:25
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
“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
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” – 1 John 4:18
I could go on an on…there are so many scriptures out there. I urge you to study it for yourself. But I leave you with my life verse:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Is there something you feel God calling you to do? Don’t avoid it. Face your fear and allow God’s love to cast it away.
You are loved,
J. F. Rogers