Do What Scares You
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self discipline” -2 Timothy 1:7
There are things that we are all afraid of and it looks different for everyone! Maybe for you it’s heights, or spiders, or sharks. Maybe it’s the dreaded visit from the in-laws, or you’re moving and you’re afraid you’ll have difficulty making new friends.
One thing I was afraid of, and if I’m being honest I still am a little afraid of, is the downhill mountain bike park at Loon. The idea of speeding downhill on an uneven dirt path with curves, bumps and berms on a bike just makes me uneasy! However, what makes me uneasy is also what my husband calls a good time. Ha! So, after his many pleas, I gathered up all my courage to try it this past week. Believe it or not, I am living to tell the tale! Was I nervous or scared while biking, absolutely. But, I think it’s good to sometimes do things we are fearful of. Within reason of course, I went on the easiest trail, not the hardest!
In the moments when we feel afraid, we are given two options: cower in fear or step out in faith. I like to do things sometimes that I am afraid of because those things provide a practical opportunity for me to trust God. These moments serve as exercises of faith to prepare me for the harder ones. Maybe God is calling you to step out and share about Jesus with your neighbor, maybe He is calling you to lead a Bible study or to be more intentional in the workplace. But, fear is paralyzing you! I memorized this Scripture a few years ago and I’ve found it very helpful in those moments: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
If we continuously try to set up our lives in such a way with no risks, no room for failure and no fears - we are also setting up our lives for no faith! We don’t “need” God when we don’t have things to fear or we don’t need to rely on Him.
This week I challenge you, do something you’re fearful of! Lean into Jesus & trust He is with you. God promises us He is, so let’s live like we believe it!