In our world there are many things that may cause fear. High on many people’s lists are spiders, snakes, heights, pain, death and public speaking. We also fear hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, terrorists, nuclear war and EMP’s. On a personal level we may fear of change, rejection, ridicule, not fitting in or generally fear what others think of us. We may fear change, the loss of a job, loss of a relationship, loss of health or loss of wealth. We may fear that we will be a victim of crime, being robbed, raped or assaulted in some other way. We may fear for our kid’s safety and health or fear they will make poor choices. We may fear failure, or we may fear success. I know someone who fears that heaven will be boring! That one I can put to rest right now. An infinitely creative God would not allow boredom in heaven. Period.
Our fears can keep us from moving forward, from really living life today and trusting God with our tomorrow. Many times in scripture we are encouraged to “fear not,” to “not worry” and to “cast our cares on him.” We live in a fallen world and will encounter some unpleasant things in this life, but we can always count on God to be there with us through our difficulties. His promise, if we are a believer, is that he will never leave us. He will comfort, guide and provide wisdom, grace, mercy, peace and love when we need it the most.
My biggest fear when I was in elementary school was being in front of other people. I was very shy. Class presentations were terrifying – shaky voice, red face and sweaty palms. The little red headed girl with freckles, Katherine, was the shyest girl in class. I was labeled the second shyest! As I grew up and worked with kids in Sunday school class, I discovered that I loved teaching and was told I was very good at it. When I went to college, I felt God’s leading to pursue teaching, in spite of my fears. As I taught I was able to overcome my fears and become a stronger vessel for God to use. The beginning of each semester would resurrect some of those fears, but I persisted in spite of them. And I had many blessed years teaching and growing as a person.
Even today after three decades, I don’t love public speaking (even though I taught public speaking for several years!). I do love teaching. And I do love making a difference in people’s lives. In addition to teaching, I have had many opportunities for public speaking. As a business owner, manager and marketing person, there have been numerous occasions to speak in public. I won’t tell you that I am never nervous, but I know that as I am willing to stretch myself beyond my fears, God continues to open up greater opportunities for me.
Graduates, you will have many new opportunities and choices to make in the coming days and weeks. Don’t let your fears keep you from moving forward and becoming all that you were meant to be.
The only fear listed in scripture that is depicted as positive is fear of God – it is the beginning of wisdom, but I’ll save that for another blog!
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
Question: What fear is keeping you stuck in some area of your life?
