I know. I've been there, too. On the one hand, you have this deep knowing that God is calling you to do something. A burning inside even. A compelling push. On the other hand, you are pursued by the nagging "what if's".
Fear will often masquerade as a friend enticing us to reason with God. Encouraging us to give up pursuing the call within. Convincing us that the effort just won't be worth what it will cost us. It all makes sense except for one thing: How could it make sense to disobey the call of God?
When I finally realized that God had called ME to ministry, not just to be married to a minister, not just to support ministry, but to actually pursue ministry credentials, my "what ifs" began to crescendo rivaling the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. "IS THIS REALLY GOD??? SHOULD I REALLY DO THIS? IS THIS GOING TO BE WORTH IT?"
I finally recognized the voice of Fear as a lying enemy, not a truthful friend. I realized that Fear was trying to convince me that the risk of following what I knew to be the call of God was not worth what it was going to cost me. Fear wanted to convince me to stay put, stop pursuing. What Fear really wanted me to do was to disobey God, and I decided that I didn't want fear to be the reason that I didn't try. I didn't want fear to be the reason that I didn't do what I knew God was calling me to do.
There is a saying attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Not long after I had come to the conclusion that I would not allow fear to prevent me from pursuing God's call, I visited Valkill, Eleanor Roosevelt's home, and purchased a refrigerator magnet with that saying on it. Every time I see it I am reminded "I don't want fear to be the reason I don't do something." And so my YES adventure, my journey of obedience, continues.
How about you?
Key Thought: Don't let fear be the reason you don't obey God's call.
A Scripture to consider: Psalm 23:4
A YES challenge: How is Fear trying to keep you from obeying God?
Prayer:
Dear Father, I don't want Fear to be the reason I disobey Your call. I am aware of my "what ifs" but I don't want them to drown out Your voice. I love You, Lord. My greatest desire is to follow You whole-heartedly. I choose to listen to Your voice. I choose to obey You regardless of the cost. The safest place for me is in the center of Your will. I will trust Your presence, Your correction and Your comfort. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
What if I don't succeed?
What if someone I love disagrees with me?
What if it's harder than I think?
What if it wasn't really God to begin with?
All those "what if's" get louder and louder, threatening to overpower what you know is the voice of God calling you forward. Compelling you onward.
So, which voice do you listen to?
Although, you may think you are being rational and reasonable as you begin to entertain your "what if's" don't invite them in for tea. Don't allow them to make themselves comfortable. Underneath the mask of reason and respectability, hides one of your most vicious enemies, FEAR.
Fear of failure.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of weakness.
Fear of humiliation.
Fear will often masquerade as a friend enticing us to reason with God. Encouraging us to give up pursuing the call within. Convincing us that the effort just won't be worth what it will cost us. It all makes sense except for one thing: How could it make sense to disobey the call of God?
When I finally realized that God had called ME to ministry, not just to be married to a minister, not just to support ministry, but to actually pursue ministry credentials, my "what ifs" began to crescendo rivaling the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. "IS THIS REALLY GOD??? SHOULD I REALLY DO THIS? IS THIS GOING TO BE WORTH IT?"
I finally recognized the voice of Fear as a lying enemy, not a truthful friend. I realized that Fear was trying to convince me that the risk of following what I knew to be the call of God was not worth what it was going to cost me. Fear wanted to convince me to stay put, stop pursuing. What Fear really wanted me to do was to disobey God, and I decided that I didn't want fear to be the reason that I didn't try. I didn't want fear to be the reason that I didn't do what I knew God was calling me to do.
There is a saying attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Not long after I had come to the conclusion that I would not allow fear to prevent me from pursuing God's call, I visited Valkill, Eleanor Roosevelt's home, and purchased a refrigerator magnet with that saying on it. Every time I see it I am reminded "I don't want fear to be the reason I don't do something." And so my YES adventure, my journey of obedience, continues.
How about you?
Key Thought: Don't let fear be the reason you don't obey God's call.
A Scripture to consider: Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
A YES challenge: How is Fear trying to keep you from obeying God?
Prayer:
Dear Father, I don't want Fear to be the reason I disobey Your call. I am aware of my "what ifs" but I don't want them to drown out Your voice. I love You, Lord. My greatest desire is to follow You whole-heartedly. I choose to listen to Your voice. I choose to obey You regardless of the cost. The safest place for me is in the center of Your will. I will trust Your presence, Your correction and Your comfort. In Jesus' Name. Amen.