Sometimes I share one of the thousands of emails I receive each year, because I think you are asking the same question. Today Nancy asked about a question about being afraid. I think she’s brave for asking. ~ Suzie
Dear Suzie
You asked what I was afraid of. I’ll give you a list. I’m:
- afraid of God
- afraid of giving over control
- afraid of failing to do something He would want of me
- afraid of disappointing Him. Afraid of failing…again
How’s that for a list? Is God disappointed in me?
Nancy
Dear Nancy,
You mentioned a blog post in your email. Do you remember how we talked about perspective in that blog post?
Let’s look at this in a different way.
What if you exchanged those fears with anticipation?
What if you “did it afraid” and you:
- Discovered that God lives up to the attributes of His name: shelter, peace, cleansing, provision, healer
- Gave up control and followed Him to places you might have never gone otherwise (spiritually, emotionally, physically)
- Learn that He calls fallible people just like you and me, people with huge gaps in their lives, and it His strength and power that matters, not ours.
- Began to view failure as part of the learning process. Getting back up. Trusting. Growing as we learned what not to do and where to turn. You see, there is no failure when you get up. It’s part of learning to be strong. You start recognizing the land mines to avoid, and let the Lord redirect you.
I’m so glad you asked your question. I pray you will read Romans 8:35-39 and insert your name in this transforming scripture.
His love conquers fear. Keep asking these questions. Keep growing. Take a small step and celebrate that step. Hold tight to Him all the way.
We all have fears. We all question. The fact that you are unafraid to voice them, and are reaching for God — that’s faith.
[bctt tweet=”We all fear. We all have questions. When we acknowledge them, that is courage. #livingfreetogether ” username=”suzanneeller”]
Praying with you today.
What an awesome post. I have been learning to trust and lean on God during a very difficult time. I am really going through the battles right now and the enemy is trying so hard to destroy who I know I am in Christ. Your perspectives are something I am going to write down to look at as I try to find God’s purpose and victory in this situation I am facing. I read the scriptures and the truth just poured into my heart soothing those places that needed to hear again that nothing will separate me from the agape love of Christ!!
Thank you Suzie =)
I read your devotional on self-doubt right after I did a presentation at a conference. I was nervous then primarily because the venue was unfamiliar to me and I was talking to a group larger than I am accustomed to. I thought it went well but during self-evaluation I couldn’t shake the doubting. The question “Is there a valid reason for doubting?”was like a bolt of lightning. yes, there was. And the reason I realized is a common thread in past doubtings. Thank you for sharing-God has used it to open my eyes to the truth.