Do Not Fear

Greetings commisssioners,

I pray you all have been keeping your heart, mind, body, and soul preoccupied with the things of God and not letting this world get the best of you. I have been contemplating for awhile now on doing another blog post. I try to write when I'm inspired because I want God to get the glory out of this blog. So, tonight, I wanted to speak on fear. Fear is something that we all can relate to in some form or fashion and while our fears may not all stem from the same things, it is intricately woven into the fabric of our human existence. The dictionary defines fear as "an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat." Fear comes in differnt forms. Some people are scared of animals, some of heights, some of the dark... and while some fears may be reasonable i.e (a bear coming towards you). Some fears are based on false perceptions.

Fear is one of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. It leaves us paralyzed with worry, anxiety, complacency, and stagnation. It can overwhelm us and has the power to control our every move and decision. Fear can be tricky because it will often show up in the very areas of our lives where God has called us. This type of fear is the one that has the power to hold you back if you don’t confront it. It’s that inner voice in your head telling you that you won't make it, you don't belong, you're not smart enough, not good enough, not qualified, and not worthy of the things that God promised you. Those types of fears have the ability to stunt your growth— keeping you stagnant and complacent.

For years (10 to be exact) I stayed at a job where I was unappreciated, overworked, and had no opportunity for growth. Anyone in their right mind would have left after the first year but I stayed...the reason was due to FEAR. I had become so complacent with where I was. My reason being was that it was all that I knew and the fear of not being qualified for anything else, kept me there. I finally left that job in 2016 and four years later, I have a Juris Doctorate degree (All Praises to God!) Fear kept me in that place for 10 years of my life and but in just under 4 years, I will be an attorney. It’s time to BREAK out of that FEAR and pursue the things that God is calling you to pursue👏🏾👏🏾

What changed you ask? Well, I finally allowed my faith to be bigger than my fears. That is how I got through law school, obtained my first internship (paid one at that), and applied to the Florida Bar. You see, ALL of these things scared me! I avoided those very things for so long because that inner voice in my head had instilled so much doubt and insecurities in me throughout the years that it began to take over my own will power. It convinced me that the promises that God made to me weren't going to come to pass. It made me rely on my own strength and less on the power of God and his ability to work ALL things together for my good. Every time I tried to push pass it, it would remind me of my inadequacies. I almost didn't launch this very ministry that this blog was birthed out of it because of my fear of public speaking. Its hard to imagine that a soon to be attorney would have any troubles with public speaking but here I was, fearful. This is what I meant when I said fear will keep you away from the very place that God has called you. But how many of you know that when God calls you, he does not look at your outward appearance "But the Lord said to Samuel,“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Not even my insecurities and self doubt could stop God's plan. You have to take your power back and not let fear cripple you into settling. Believe that you are the head and not the tail. Put in the work and then step out on faith. It is said that "Do not Fear" can be found in the Bible 365 times! Wow, that means that you can choose a passage for everyday of the year that reminds you that you have nothing to fear. That is not a coincidence🤗 When Peter saw Jesus in the middle of the sea and stepped out of the boat to come to him, he was walking on water (his faith wasn’t in his own ability but Gods) BUT as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to drown. Why? Because he got fearful and doubted the very thing God told him he could do. We are like that sometimes. God tells us to do something and we shrink back because we convince ourselves that we are not the right person for the task. I wonder how many people reading this blog is at a place where they are settling instead of moving by faith.

What type of fear is holding you back today? If God put a passion inside of you to do something, pursue that VERY thing. He is the one that will equip you to do just that. Do not let fear hold you back from pursuing the things that you are passionate about. I read an article where it stated that most people live their life never actually walking in their purpose. They get to a point where they get comfortable and so they settle. But God said that we can do all things through him who strengthens us -Phil 4:13, so that means we don't have to be afraid. And even if you are afraid because lets be honest, we all have experienced fear but the Bible reminds us that we can do great things in-spite of our fears. There are people on the other side of your fears waiting on that gift, talent, and passion that you have to make a difference in this world. Push past that fear and walk boldly into your calling. Also, surround yourself with others who believe in you and push you to be your best self. Overcoming certain fears will sometimes take a village of supporters to affirm your calling and help in the moments where fear wants to rob you of God's promises. And I will end with this scripture. "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 It’s time to stand in the face of fear and tell it that your God is greater! HERE ARE A COUPLE OF WAYS I OVERCAME SOME OF MY FEARS

• I became familiar with the word of God and what it says about fear

• I speak those verses over my life whenever fear tried to choke me out

• I built self confidence by learning to depend on God and not on my own strength

• Whenever fear starts to creep up on me, I remind myself of who God says that I am and the promises that he has spoken over my life

• I think back to a time I did something that defied my fear and how everything worked out

• I accept challenges that push me to overcome my fear i.e if my pastor calls on me to pray out loud at church, I obey.

• The more you go against the things you fear, the less fearful they become

• I keep track of the things that I've overcome throughout the years and remind myself if I could do it then, I could do it now

As I’ve said before, fear is a part of who we are and some fears may never go away. After all, not all fear is bad i.e. the type that makes you aware of danger. Fear can also serve as wisdom. We might still feel afraid, but we know that God is with us. While we may not be in control, we can trust in the One who is. We may not know the future, but we know the God who does. In a couple of weeks, I will come back on here and testify once more of God's faithfulness. I am hopeful in this transitionary period of my life that God is going to work out ALL things for my good. Today, I pray that you trust God in spite of fear. Remember his promises and quiet that voice that is telling you something contrary to what God said. It is said that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear--Franklin Roosevelt

SCRIPTURES TO HELP YOU OVERCOME FEAR

1. Fear not,for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10

2. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."  ~Psalm 56:3

3. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7

4. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” ~1 John 4:18

5. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ~ Psalm 23:4

Virtual Hugs 🤗

God loves you always and forever!