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Fearless

Writer's picture: Gracie BerneyGracie Berney

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Fearless.


Hi friend, welcome to a new month! It's hard to believe 2021 is over half way through.


With the new month [July] starting, I felt like it would be a perfect opportunity to publish the next few posts (which will be a series born from some of my personal struggles). Each week will be themed, so you may want to stay tuned for the next few weeks. The Lord has been working on a lot of areas in my life; and so I'm excited to take you on this journey as well. I pray that it encourages, inspires and uplifts your faith.


This week we will start with the first in the series: Fearless.


To my close friends and family members, I am not known as a risk taker. In fact, most of the time, I'm the one trying to caution everyone else of the risks involved in the given situation.


But what if I told you that God is currently changing that area of my life? Here is how it all began.


A little over a month ago, I saw a t-shirt [at the store] that read "She is Fearless". The color and lettering drew my attention so I walked over and checked the price tag and size. [LOL] Of course, it was my size and the price was right.


However, my excitement quickly turned into fear as this thought came to mind: 'You are not fearless, you are the opposite of that". And with that, the smile and excitement disappeared. Few more seconds passed and several negative thoughts kept coming.


But thankfully, God stepped in and ended the cycle of negative thoughts. Suddenly, I heard this little voice within me say: "You are fearless because you are a child of God!


A few moments later, I walked out of the store with the shirt and was inspired and challenged to embark on a new journey. One that's teaching me how to be fearless.


In studying for this post, I learned that the phrase 'fear not' is in the Bible about 365 times. To clarify, I do not think the exact phrase is listed this many times, but the encouragement and idea of not been afraid is provided that many times. That means, we can be inspired to not be afraid every single day in a year.


Isaiah 41:10 states "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."


What are you currently afraid of? What has been holding you back?


If you have a list, then you are not alone. I've got a list; but God is helping me work through it.


In the last few weeks of intense soul searching, I realized one of my biggest fear was offending/disappointing others. Being a people pleaser is an exhausting job; but somehow, I held it down for years. Looking back, I now see times when I held back the truth from family/friends simply because of fear. I see dreams and goals I failed to pursue because I was too afraid. I have stories that I could've shared but was afraid I'd be judged by others. I think you get the point.


My emphasis isn't on the list of things you are afraid of. It's on your approach to get past the things on the list. So, here are 3 things I've learned about fear.


1. Fear keeps us Stagnant

Stagnant waters do not move. They breed filth and encourage bugs, especially mosquitoes. I know this because I use to live in a house that had stagnant water in the back of the yard. A Christian that is trapped in fear will slowly but surely live a stagnant life. Pretty soon, you build a wall of safety and never venture out.


2. Fear is a Liar

Most of the things I believed in fear, I'm now realizing were not even true. For instance, fear will tell you things like: you are not good at this; or you won't make it if you tried this or that.... But friend, as a child of God, let me tell you that this is a big lie. God has given you those dreams, aspirations, convictions.... Go for it. Pursue that calling or ministry that God has put within your heart.


3. Fear can strengthen our Faith

Now before you fall out with me, please hear me out. Most of the growth we accomplish in life is usually birthed out of difficult circumstances we face. In the last few weeks, one thing I've learned is that whenever the fear is high, that's when I need my faith to be the strongest.



Conclusion

Joshua 1:9 states: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”


Again I ask: What are you afraid of? What is holding you back from the place God has destined you to be?


The sad thing about fear is that it keeps us trapped. We become restricted and only see the limitations. We stay within our comfort zones and the invisible boundaries we/others/the current circumstances have set up.


Perhaps, your life isn't what you envisioned. Maybe the circumstances around you are so bleak, that all you do is fear and worry. Again, let me remind you of Isaiah 41:10. You don't need to be afraid, because God is with you.


For this week...

Challenge #1

Read Joshua chapter 1


Challenge #2

Make a list of the current things you are afraid to do.


Challenge #3

Attempt three things from the list of fears.


Stay Blessed


Image credit:

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