Do It Afraid!

How many opportunities have we missed because we were waiting to feel ready? How many dreams have we placed on hold because fear convinced us we weren't qualified, capable, or good enough?

We tell ourselves: I'll do it when I'm more confident. I'll start when I know more. I'll take that step when I'm no longer afraid.

But what if the confidence we're waiting for is waiting on the other side of our obedience?

Sometimes the greatest things God calls us to do begin with trembling hands and a heart full of uncertainty.

When God called Moses, he questioned his ability to speak. When God called Jeremiah, he protested that he was too young. When Peter stepped out of the boat, he walked toward Jesus on water that should have been impossible to stand upon.

These men had weaknesses, questions, and fears, but their limitations did not change God's ability to work through them.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) declares: "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."

Notice that God did not tell Joshua to wait until every fear disappeared. He commanded him to be courageous because God's presence would go with him, and we must remember that.

You do not have to feel fearless to take a step of faith. You can be nervous and still be obedient.

You can have questions and still trust God. You can feel inadequate and still accomplish what He has placed before you.

Fear will always find a reason to make you wait. It will remind you of past failures, question your abilities, and convince you that someone else is better qualified.

But fear does not get to decide what God can accomplish through a surrendered life.

Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

That doesn't mean we will never experience fear. It means we do not have to surrender control of our decisions to it.

A Final Thought

Perhaps you have been putting something off because you're afraid of failing, being rejected, or stepping outside your comfort zone. Maybe you've been waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect words, or the perfect circumstances. But what if that moment never comes?

Stop waiting until you feel completely ready to begin what God has placed on your heart.

Take the step. Make the call. Share the message. Pursue the opportunity. Trust God with the outcome.

You may stumble. You may have to learn along the way. You may discover that growth is uncomfortable. But you will never discover what lies beyond your fear if you allow it to keep you standing still. You don't have to know every step of the journey to take the first one.

Remember this: God never promised obedience would always feel comfortable. He promised that you would not have to walk alone.

If God has placed something on your heart and fear is the only thing holding you back...

DO IT AFRAID!

Because the life God is calling you to live is too important to surrender to the fear of what might happen.