Seventeen years ago, I went to a Christian women’s retreat that changed my life. The man who sponsored me asked for family and friends to write encouraging letters.
My sister wrote me a letter that was touching, but then she wrote something that horrified me:
“You aren’t afraid of anything.”
What?
When I got home from the retreat, I was determined to correct her error.
I said, “Honey, I am scared all the time! But I just decided that I’m not going to let fear stop me.”
Just 3 words make all the difference.
If I wanted to do something and was scared, I decided to “Do it afraid.”
Wouldn’t it be terrible to reach the end of your life and realize how much you missed out on – all because you allowed fear to stop you?
We make fear more powerful than it really is.
Consider how fear manifests – sweaty palms, shallow breathing, fast heart rate, dry mouth, maybe some throat tightness.
While these physical symptoms are uncomfortable, they won’t kill you.
But let’s say that the physical symptoms of fear really do kill you. If I am wrong, then all that means is you’ll be absent from the body but present with the Lord!
You win either way.
Those physical symptoms can only stop you if you allow them. That is your decision. The good news is that you can always make a different decision.
Decide to “Do it afraid.”
Peek around the corner. Look under the bed.
Open up the door of that dark closet.
Confront your fears.
Remember this: You never face them alone!
In Joshua 1:9 God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In the Comments, share a time when you faced a fear and came out on the other side victorious or learned something new.
Be blessed with health, healing, and wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple program
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God’s continue blessing to you as you continue to inspire a panting, parch soul in Nigeria. I would be 38 years old by March 12th this year, still single, no income but filled with a lot of joy because I believe in my heart that I am the apple of the Lord’s eye. Fear of the unknown as been a bane on me before now but as I continue to deepen my relationship with Jesus Christ after reading inspiring materials from charisma and most especially you that made me to feast on the holy bible like a berean. I was once a heavy cannabis smoker and a porn addict but I know longer have any desires for such filthy habits again because I feel the Holy Spirit around me always fellow shipping with me and even made me write this letter to you that I have been holding back for so many years. You are a source of inspiration to me and you will continue to grow from strength to strength IJN
Mr. Oriaifo Ogbe.
Last February I was invited by missionary friends to go with them to Nicaragua. I really didn’t want to go because it was out of my comfort zone. I was afraid. My daughter kept asking me, “ what are you really afraid of?” I did some soul searching and told my friends I would go. As a result, God helped me to make a Scripture picture coloring books I took with me and shared at several Christian schools we visited. He even gave me an opportunity to teach two art lessons to the kids. I’m so grateful I didn’t squelch the Holy Spirit’s nudgings to go! I was blessed so much by obeying.
What a blessing I know you were on that missionary trip. May the Lord continue to bless you in all your ways!
As a CNA I remember being afraid to become a nurse. I was so scared I would not make it. Then I was afraid I would do harm or not know something I should. I went on to LPN school but was so horrified at the thought of RN school. I held these fears of moving up ever since grade school. I don’t even know where they came from! Now I hold a bachelor’s degree working as an oncall nurse and with full confidence. I’m a living witness that sometimes you have to do it afraid!
Praise God, Taris – that is an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it!
I bought my husband a gift for his birthday called Ifly. It is indoor skydiving. I was afraid to do it but knew my gift would mean so much more to him if I did it with him. I ended up sacrificing to please him and God blessed me by letting me be one of the only students of the group who did it great the first time. The instructor actually took me to greater heights than the others on my first round. I enjoyed it a lot and didn’t even realize while doing it that I was doing great. My heart was racing but I did enjoy the experience and it made my husband’s birthday so special.
Patty, that sounds like such fun! I know you created a memory for your husband he will never forget.
Wow I just heard I woman this weekend talk about fear and how to disable it. Message must have been for me. I will no longer be afraid to take back what has been stolen from me. I am a mighty woman of God so get back fear you are no longer welcome here!
Amen, Cathie!