Fashioned to be Fearless
When you feed your fear, you’ll starve your faith. But when you feed your faith, you’ll starve your fear!
In our busy world, everyone seems to want to be better. Climb the corporate ladder. Strive for excellence. Be better than Pinterest. Even in our churches, we see the need to want to be the best. But something happens when we hear the call from the Lord to do something greater for Him. Initially, there may be excitement, but then, sometimes, hesitation and fear seem to creep in and shift our gaze to our ineffectiveness for the task. What you fear most will grip you and hold you back from advancing.
You are God’s greatest creation and He is calling you to live fearlessly for Him. His desire is that your faith grows and burns so strongly that whenever He calls upon you to go, to move, to do, the answer is an immediate “yes.”
Did you ever stop and consider that for every part of creation; each flower, tree and insect are about their Father’s business…without being afraid? Trees upon the highest mountains grow strong and tall without complaint that it’s too high, or that they need more space between themselves and the tree nearby. Even though flowers wither and fade, (Is. 40:8), each one, springs forth in beauty accepting the sunshine, rain, and nutrients given in the soil below to thrive and grow. The splendor displayed is admired by many including the busy bee who, too, has an important job for the Father. Flitting from flower and tree, the bee collects the needed pollen to create a hidden masterpiece that will supply us all fruit and foliage in the coming seasons. The bee isn’t afraid of the distances it must fly or if it will drop the pollen before landing at the next flower.
Hidden treasures under the sea or in a cavern reveal that the Father’s business is at work as well. Small fish and living coral, to interesting sea life that leave the imagination running wild. The caverns deep beneath mountain ranges boast rock formations that rival the mountains above. All of this splendor that we gaze upon is because creation does its job without fear.
Can you imagine if a fish decided it was too scared to swim? A flower too afraid to bloom? A water droplet too fearful to cascade down a waterfall? Seems almost preposterous, but it is no different when the Lord is calling you, His perfectly equipped child, to be about His business. He is the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He has equipped you (Hebrews 13:21), and you are chosen (I Peter 2:9).
When Jesus sent the disciples out, I’m sure their knees were a knockin’! But, they went. They saw miracles, signs and wonders. You cannot stay locked in your house, strapped to your desk chair or even that rocking chair mommy! The Lord always has more in His business plan for us.
Did you know that it says “fear not” in God’s Word 365 times!??? Do you think the Lord is trying to tell you something every day?!!! What are the things God is calling you to right now that you are afraid to take that first step of faith? Stop giving Him the excuses and just give Him that first step.
Ponder these fearless examples from His Word:
Hannah stopped crying, went home, ate, and was about her Father’s business. (I Samuel 1)
Mary accepted the challenge and then praised God for His goodness. (Luke 1)
Esther took a bath for a year (for crying out loud), saved her people and wore her crown well! (Book of Esther)
Dorcas, though she was dead, heard the voice of the Spirit and got UP! Then she did more for the Lord! (Acts 9:36-42)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
That verse shows in detail that she looks good and is happy as she progresses on. Every woman feels better about herself when she is a little more put together. If you’re calling right now is at home, do your make-up, and your hair, and make your environment “pretty” with some worship music. If you work outside of the home in the business world or in the church, make your office space a place of peace. Your cubicle or office should be the place where other ladies come for support, care, and prayer. Pin scripture verses up on your pin board, and work unto the Lord and not unto man (Col 3:23).
Now it’s your turn. How will you live fearlessly? Put on your best business suit, heels, and lipstick. Even if your “heels” are flip-flops, wear them well, and put your best foot forward for the Kingdom. Remember, what you fear most will grip you and hold you back from advancing. Be about your Father’s Business. He needs you in His Work Force. Don’t be afraid. He will make you brave. He’s with you every step of the way!
