Why are you still running scared?

I consistently encounter individuals that have passions that they have not pursued due to fear. Many times it is fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, and fear of leaving their comfort zones to enter into new territory. I love observing children on a day to day basis. As I watch my own children I realize how much fear has progressively creeped into our adult lives without our knowledge or permission. My children will ask for absolutely anything they THINK they desire. There is no fear of rejection, and even if the request is near impossible, they believe it can be fulfilled by the one who cares for them. Even as they play, they are not conscious of limitations or obstacles. There is a bold determination to reach their goal even if the task seems too difficult or risky. Sometimes children even fall short or hurt themselves in the process but they simply get up, dust themselves off and try again. Many of us (adults/christians) either do not attempt the task or we stop trying after obstacles present themselves. This is why trainers say that the best time to train our children in sports is when they are young because they are FEARLESS! Broken limbs dont stop them! Scraped knees are a breeze! Black eyes are badges of honor! We call it child-like faith.

In our reading on February 2 of the 27th Psalm, David declares "the Lord is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? David was in a place where danger was all around him but he reminded himself of God's continual protection. David did not allow the obstacles in life to paralyze him with fear. He acknowledged that God was his light (illumination) and salvation (safety)and questioned even the presence of fear in his life. We will all agree that most of us have not had half of the reasons that David had to be fearful. He encountered and fought wild animals while tending sheep, had a king and his army seeking to kill him, faced Goliath the giant, was threatened to be stoned by his peers at Ziglag and was overcome by temptation. David like my children got up, dusted himself off and tried again.

I recently was talking to a friend that I had not seen in a while. We were both at a mutual friends event- one in which she was operating in child-like faith and pursuing her passion. We were discussing how proud we both were our sister when she said, "I want to do these relationship seminars but I am afraid that no one will come". I looked at her and said, "If you do not do it, then you are guaranteed that no one will come".

What are you delaying because of fear? Is it your passion and purpose in the earth. Do you realize that your fear does not just effect your dreams and destiny but that of those who were to be touched by your pursuit of them. We should be confident that God has our back in times of uncertainty, danger and obstacles. He is our very present help in times of trouble. David said "even if I am attacked, I will remain confident". The psalmist further encourages all who will listen that God covers us, hides us and places us out of reach of the enemy. We can then shout with joy and be confident (without fear)that God is in control!