We all experience different periods of joy and trial as Christians. It's nothing to be afraid of, but to many it creates doubt and worry. God gives us opportunities to grow all the time. For us to easily be obedient is a different story. But why? We know that God’s plans are greater. We hear it all the time. It’s easy to say but extremely hard to do sometimes. What is the main factor of going the opposite way of God?
Fear.
Fear is what the enemy uses most to get into our minds. Which, is well known as the best possible thing to use to direct us the opposite way. It’s so easy to start thinking about what bad things can happen if we do something God has for us. Especially if we weren't expecting it. We automatically think it is scary and that we should just avoid it. Honestly, we don’t even want to say that we are avoiding it so we just don’t even notice what is right in front of us.
Sometimes I am lucky enough to recognize right away that fear is holding me back from doing something that will help me grow in my faith. However, most of the time it takes me a while to figure that out, and I miss opportunities. Thankfully, God knows our hearts and is with us even when we go the opposite way of his plans.
“In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:1-2
Being a worrier my whole life, it’s hard not to expect the worst possible situation. What if I don’t have time for that job? What if they reject me? What if I run out of money?
If you are scared of doing something but you know it’s something that can bring God glory, why be scared of it? If it’s God’s plan for your future, it will bring joy, even if you think it won’t. It’s not that God’s plan won’t be scary. It’s not that it won’t be easy either. But it will open doors, provide opportunities, and be a growing process. The cool part is that in the end, God will receive the glory. We get to see the Lord work in us and those around us. Trusting is key, which is hard when we worry about everything. But we know that God gives us strength and endurance to run the race set before us.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
If God has a plan for us, why should we be afraid? If you know this decision is good for you and will glorify God, do it. Try out that job even though the pay “isn’t enough” because it somehow fell in your hands. Lead a community group even if you think you aren’t good enough or if you don’t think you’ll have time. Get married to your best friend who leads you to God even if you’re scared of the future because marriage is full of joy even though it is hard. Change your major to something else to serve God and others better even if you think you will disappoint someone.
Some of the greatest accomplishments come when we first didn't think we could do it. Our God rules over all fear, doubt, worry, and pain. Let him rule in your heart and mind.
