Look Where Fear Puts You

This blog post is reprinted and revised (just a tad) from a blog I wrote for Lifeway Resources that was posted on their website in January 2015. I accidentally came across it today and was so encouraged by the message that I decided to post it again here. You can read the original post here:

Start the New Year Free from Fear.

There’s a tent that goes up across the street from our church twice a year; once near the Fourth of July and then again just before the New Year. They sell fireworks there and every time I shop for them I feel like somewhat of a rebel for fireworks were illegal where I grew up in Georgia.

A few years ago, my granddaughter, Misty experienced fireworks for the first time. She was 2-years-old at the time--about the age she was when this picture was taken. I think it's important for you to know that the arms holding her in the air are mine.

Misty enjoyed the fireworks as long as I was holding her tight and assuring her that although they loud, they were not going to get her. In fact, Misty enjoyed them a whole lot more when we realized she could have a great view of the explosions from inside the house through the kitchen window.

When we’d seen enough, I took her upstairs to get her ready for bed. Because she was still hearing the noise and no longer seeing the “flowers,” she was still a bit jumpy. I continued to tell her it was nothing but the “boom, boom, boom” of the fireworks. She continued to say, “poppin, Nana, poppin” as she followed me like a shadow.

At this point, I had to go to the bathroom. I have to confess that I was trying a new tactic in her early stages of potty training where I let her come in to the bathroom with me. We would talk about how “one day” she’d be a big girl and go to the potty just like Nana. (I know maybe TMI for an article, but I promise I’m going somewhere with this.) Misty closed the bathroom door which left us in the dark. She then backed herself into the corner and declared, “Not scary now, Nana.” I smiled and said, “Yes, but look where your fear put you!”

I know that Misty was too young to understand what I was saying. But that night Misty was afraid of something very real. The loud noises honestly did make it sound like we were in the thick of a battle.

I knew the booming sounds were simply noises and there was no way she was going to be harmed by them. But Misty didn’t know this. She did, however, know enough about me and our relationship to find some comfort in being with me even though I couldn’t stop the noises, and she couldn’t completely escape her fear. She finally got to a place where she was no longer afraid because she was still with me.

But in the dark corner of the bathroom, she was also no longer playing with her toys, or interacting with other people. She was missing out all because her fear put her there.

Where does your fear put you?

Does the fear you feel drive you to Jesus? Or does it take you away from all that you were created to be, and all that He has called you to do? Does your fear back you into a dark corner where you finally feel safe?

Look around you. What are you afraid of in your life and ministry? Face it. Stare it in its scary face and ask yourself these 2 questions:

1. Is God walking with me?
2. Does He seem to be concerned?

The obvious answer to these questions is that God is certainly with you always, and He is in complete control of this situation. Therefore, God is never worried or unsure. With this in mind, trust Him enough to carry on. Go ahead and venture out and do the great big things you were afraid to do before now.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.”

Don’t let your fear back you into a dark corner. Now is a good time to put your fear to rest. With Jesus by your side, it’s definitely “not scary now!”