Facing Your Fears of the Future
Merriam Webster's definition of the future - “the period of time that will come after the present time.”
My definition of the future: “the one thing I am most afraid of because I never know what's going to happen next and it requires my total and complete trust in God and there's so many ‘what if’ scenarios running through my mind - What if this happens? What if that happens? What if that doesn’t happen? - which turns into a cycle of worry that never ends and it's really stressful and yeah...you get the point…”
If you're anything like me, even just the thought of an unknown future can be frightening because so many of the decisions you make today will affect your future tomorrow. Recently I have spoken with several friends who are in a time of transition in their lives with their careers, family, school, etc. Personally, I’m in a time of transition and I’ve started to notice something…
It’s in times of transition, the enemy attacks us the most with thoughts of inadequacy, anxiety, worry, and most of all, fear. Did you know the word fear is one of the most talked about things in the Bible? I think God talks about fear so many times because He knew we would all deal with fear at some point or another in this life. I always thought that fear and faith were opposites, but recently I have discovered a new theory....
Fear is not the opposite of faith. Fear is often faith’s companion.
When you step out in faith, chances are you will experience some element of fear, but the key is stepping out in faith anyways. Sometimes we have to just DO IT AFRAID.
So I want to encourage you, if God is calling you to do something great, to step out and do something that you’ve never done before, don’t be surprised when fear attacks, because it will. But know that God’s peace is deeper than any fear and His grace will sustain you.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…”- Psalm 37:5-7
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” - Psalm 37:23-24
Remember, God holds your future in the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Nothing is a surprise to God. God commanded your destiny before you were even in your mother’s womb. God has an incredible plan for your life - far better than you could ever think or imagine. You were born for greatness. Keep on walking in His ways, praying, reading His word, and strengthening your faith; I promise He will continue to guide you. When thoughts of fear try to hold you back from what God is calling you to do, remember - God’s got you, go ahead, and do it afraid!
XOXO,
CARLA
