I hate failing. So much so that often times I don't even try because I expect failure and don't want to feel the pain of rejection; of not being good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or whatever it may be. Have you ever wanted to go for something then backed down because you thought "why bother?"
Fear can be a crippling emotion. It leaves you feeling helpless. You can't go back, you can't move forward, you're just STUCK. I used to blame my lack of movement by telling myself, "I'm waiting on God" or some wimpy statement of that nature. Don't get wrong. I believe in waiting on the Lord, but that's not what I was really doing. I knew he wanted me to do something but I was afraid of what it would be, so instead I sat like a kid with my fingers plugged in my ears.
When I feel the need for a change, I assess what is around me. I assess my career, my friends, how I'm in lack of nothing. I ask myself, "Why does anything need to change? I'm doing pretty great for myself." I justify my need to stay put. But there is this gnawing at my heart that makes me cringe because I know I can't keep fighting it. But what is it? What now?
It comes down to fear of being uncomfortable, fear of the unknown, the unexpected, fear of not succeeding which is rooted in a lack of trust in God. "No God I realllyy do trust you....just...not with this cause I kinda have it figured out and I like how things are now. You understand right?" Whether it's your work, relationships, financial situation, God wants you to bring it to him. What could be holding you back in your life right now? What are you not giving to God and trying to control yourself? If God is calling you to act on something, it's for your good. Listen and trust him. Don't be afraid.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. -Psalm 73:26
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28
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I absolutely understand fear! I stepped out with a new job in January... Only to be let go six weeks later. It's a whirlwind of emotions, yes, but I can also rest assured that there was a reason for the suffering.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this; I'm going to get back on that horse.
Wow, thank you for sharing with us! That is such a testament to your faith that you are persevering and trusting God regardless of your circumstances. We are praying for you!
Delete"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5
Yes! This is something that I have been struggling with lately. I saw this post and these quotes within 24 hours...
ReplyDelete"God is in the risk. He doesn't live in the safe."
"If God wants a thing to succeed, you can't mess it up. If He wants a thing to fail, you can't save it. Rest and just be faithful."
I needed this reminder, and I think He is trying to tell me something. :)
Love those quotes! Thanks for sharing and reminding us of God's sovereignty. We are so humbled that God would use our blog to remind you of his truth!
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