Functioning in fear disables us from maximizing our full potential. Fear paralyzes us from taking risks that would catapult us to a greater level – be it in our spiritual walk, in our business or in daily life. We do just enough to stay inside of a cocoon of ‘safety’, and little to explore new opportunities and challenges. In business, I’ve heard some say, ‘But look what our competitors are doing...’ Immediately our mindset shifts away from playing to our strengths, and becomes a game of catch up where we stop innovating, and start reacting instead of being proactive. Why? Because we are afraid that if we approach something differently, we’ll fail. But the truth is, we differentiate ourselves by standing out, by being proactive instead of reactionary.
In my personal life, some of the greatest accomplishments I’ve experienced were also laden with fear, or the prospect of failure. Owning a home at 22? What? Founding a church? Are you crazy? Taking in teenagers? What are you thinking?! But you see, the risks that we are willing to take relate directly to the rewards we see as a result. Rewards grow in proportion to risk.
We have to discipline and push ourselves to never settle, to constantly strive to achieve our God-given purposes in life.
How will you take a purposeful risk today, and squelch fear?
In The Word:
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (The Message)
- 2 Timothy 1:7
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?
- Hebrews 13:6
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
- Luke 12:32
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
- Proverbs 1:33
*Photo credit: 'Afraid to close our eyes' by *krmenxa
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