I have been called brave.
I have also been called fearful.
Lately my fears have been rising as I step out boldly in some areas. Worries and anxieties surge as I exercise my faith muscles in new ways.
Lately my cautious outlook has crippled my forward motion.Sometimes when it’s time to embark on a long-awaited adventure all the fears that have been brewing down deep spring up and leave you feeling unsteady, unsure and unable to think clearly.
The fears swarm and your faith feels threatened as you wonder if you’ve got it all wrong.
Have you been there?
The doubting, the wavering, the stalling are present as you are face-to-face with what you have been longing for. You quickly forget ALL the ways that God has been faithful and you are tempted to give up before you even really get started.
Today we are continuing this conversation over at Purposeful and Meaningful (thank you for hosting me Ifeoma). Let’s take a look at what we can learn from a team of gymnasts about moving forward in faith, even in the presence of gripping fears.
Linking up with the #RaRaLinkup and Testimony Tuesday and also Woman 2 Woman, Coffee For Your Heart, Three Word Wednesday and #TellHisStory. Join us?
Oh, Katie, how I have feared stepping out! But for the past few years, I have been choosing to go forward when called! Thank you for this encouragement!
I can completely identify (struggling against fear and doubt seems to be a theme with #RaRaLinkup members this week). I am so richly blessed to know that I am fighting this battle among friends and sisters in Christ. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and how God is working in your life. God Bless!
Hi Tina- Let’s keep pushing through the fear with the strength He provides.
Good for you Ellen! It is hard but worth it.:)
Oh, I know this far too well. So much in my life never happened due to fear. I want to step forth in the strength of God and am doing better. I also want to ask Him as Gideon without thinking that He would think I am weak or silly. I am both and He knows all. Thank you for a fine reminder of what He wants from me.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Love those thoughts, thanks for sharing Linda.:)
Thank you for sharing this Katie 🙂 I feel that fear is keeping me from pursuing my walk with Jesus in the sphere of writing and being a housewife. It is a new season of uncertainty and pressures from the world that are demanding me to look at alternatives to all Christ has given. Thank you for these words of comfort! It was a blessing and joy to read! 🙂
So glad Ruth. One day at a time.:)
Thank you so much Katie for honoring my readers and I with your post.God Bless you real good.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com
Thank you for asking me to guest post Ifeoma.:)
Katie, thank you for sharing your real heart. It can be so scary to step out sometimes. I know I fear my heart will be crushed. Thank you for encouraging my soul through your amazing words!
I understand that fear…as we follow His pace and way He walks with us (before us, behind us and with us). Let’s not run ahead nor lag behind.:) “The God of angels armies is always be our side.”
Hi Katie! Visiting from Coffee with Holley…
Beautiful devotional today – thank you for sharing. I may reference it in my bible study class – Unstoppable by Christine Caine.
May the Lord bless you in all you do!
Blessings,
Lynne
Hi Lynne- Thanks for visiting, you are welcome here.:) Keep shining His light so that others can seem Him clearly.
Love this. Current theme in my life is to continue to take big steps of faith and not let fear keep from the forward motion. So that really ministers to me. Praying for you to!!
Thank you Jenn. Keep moving forward, following His lead of love.:)
Oh yes Mammy fears can stall us right out. Been there. Done that. Getting over it…I hope! Blessings!
Me too Ginger.:) Thank you.
Hi Katie! Thank you for sharing truth about fear. A number of years ago I found I was afraid of just about everything. I wanted to be adventurous and unafraid, but I was afraid. It was in that same season I felt the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, “Do it scared!” That was my motto for many years as I stepped out on new adventures…very much afraid, but finding Jesus faithful to hold my hand! Bless you with Great JOY on your amazing journey with Jesus!
“Do it scared”, I love that.:)
These are truly beautiful words, Katie, and have given me so much to think about. I felt more than just a little convicted when I read this: “How many times do I avoid something because I over-analyze the risk factors or focus on my fears? Of course, it can be a good thing to be cautious, but lately my cautious outlook has crippled my forward motion.” <--- Ok, so this WAS me for pretty much my entire life. I wouldn't play the piano in front of people growing up but I had a teacher that wondered why I didn't go to Juliard. That's just one example of the state of paralysis I was in because of my fears and overanalyzing every detail. I was afraid of failure. Big time. This past 18 months has been nothing short of miraculous. I feel like I'm living in a new body with a new mind and a new heart. And I know this is Jesus. I finally feel as though I know what it's like to surrender. There are still some areas I'm working to let go of, sure...but I know He is cheering me on, just as you say. There is nothing I can't do when He's calling me to it. Thank you for this beautiful reminder!
Hi Jennifer- Thank you for sharing your story with us. Rejoicing with what God is doing in you- it is beautiful!
You are wise and brave and beautiful, my friend.