One of my children and I are both facing things we would rather not do. Both things are difficult and require us to step out into experiences that will stretch us beyond our comfort zone. When you are in this place, logic just doesn’t seem to apply.
I’ve already been through the decision process. After talking with my family and asking them to pray about it, they all agreed it is something I should do. That hasn’t made my anxiety lessen as I’ve tried to prepare myself to follow through, although knowing it is the right thing for me to do has stopped me from wavering. Now I just dread having to do it.
We are letting our daughter make her own decision, but have encouraged her that we think it would be the right thing for her to do, and that it would be good for her.
The fear of failure is a very complex thing to face. Getting a bad case of the “what if’s” can scare even the most resolute person.
As I was thinking of what else I could say to her that might be of comfort, the thought came to me, “It’s ok to fail!” Failing at something isn’t the end of the world! I’m actually saying this to bolster my own courage at this point.
Perhaps this is why Scripture tells us so often to “Fear not.” Bible Gateway says it is mentioned 365 times – once for each day. Isn’t that interesting?
An article on Gotquestions puts it this way:
“…these “do not be afraid’s” are dependent upon our ability to put our trust and faith in the Lord. In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. What the psalmist is saying is that regardless of what happens, he will trust in God. This is the key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God.
Trusting God is a refusal to give into fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting in Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is a good God who only wants to give His children good things. It is as Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him (Job 13:15 NKJV).”
Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist and, “…let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You” (Psalm 5:11).”
So, my conclusion is that it is ok to be afraid, as long as our fears turn us to the Lord and lead us to put our trust in Him. It’s ok to fail, but it’s not ok to give up or fail to walk in faith and do the best we can at the things the Lord sets before us.
Now, I simply must quit procrastinating and go be stretched!
“The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.” Lloyd Jones
Both my daughter and I would appreciate your prayers.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
© 2008 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
Contact me at: Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com
Leave a Reply