Lesson Number 8

Lesson 8: Fear is a trigger for action, a sign to move forward, to follow God and push through. Never let fear stop you from doing. In fact, if you fear something, go after it hard. When you do, doors will open and you will see the world differently. God will lead you to places you never imagined. When you feel fear, recognize it and follow it.

At the end of my book, The Anchor, I included nine lessons for life that I wrote for my kids. Number 8 is written above.

Has fear ever paralyzed you, kept you from action?

If we are honest with ourselves, the answer is “yes” for us all.

Sometimes the fear is straight-forward, easy to recognize. For example, I will not take that job or accept that role, because I don’t have the talent. Or, the decision not to go on a trip because of potential danger. Or, the decision not to lead a group, start a business, take the job, start exercising, because of fear of failure. If you think about your life right now, there is something looming in front of you that you are avoiding because of fear. In these examples, the fear is right in front of us. We see it, are able to define it, and we shrink back. We choose to live in our comfort zone.

More often though, the fear is a bit more disguised, hidden. For example, that discussion that you know you need to have, but don’t. There is a hidden fear of what might be said or become known. Or, using the words “let me pray or think about it” when faced with a decision. Sometimes, I suppose people do go back, lock themselves in a closet, and pray or think about the situation. For me though, more often than not, the delay gives my fear time to quench the action. Suddenly, it doesn’t make sense or isn’t the right timing.

The Bible is a book of action. Incredible leaders, men and women who lived proactively, fill the pages. Individuals act, over and over again. And, the fuel for their action was their faith in God. Their are no dormant believers in the Bible. They are live wires, ready for action.

From beginning to end, these active souls are embedded in the story. Abraham moved his family to a land he had never seen because of a promise from God. Noah built the ark before it started raining. When faced with a flooded river, the priests were told to step in the water and the river would recede. They moved to action. They stepped in the water, and the river stopped. Esther stepped in the gap for her people, denied tradition and custom, approached the king, and saved the lives of thousands. Mary believed that she was pregnant, obeying the instructions from God. Peter stood up in front of thousands to preach, facing the exact people who had just killed his best friend. Over and over, beginning to end, people act.

The actions don’t bring them closer to God. After all, faith is a gift from God. However, the action proves their faith. The action is a picture of belief in God. The action is done humbly, out of obedience, never to keep score or for show. Their action is a barometer of their faith.

We live in a world that pushes fear. In your news feed this morning, you will receive article and article of paralyzing news. News about the bad economy, job loss, inflation, war, disease, death, and the constant things that cause division. This news is important to understand, but it no doubt causes fear. And, fear can paralyze.

I read a great statement this morning from an article by Brain Food that said, “a large part of expertise is knowing where to place your attention.” I love this thought in a different context.

The way to manage fear is knowing where to place your attention. This is the answer. Fear is inevitable, perpetually around us. We can either place our attention on the fear which paralyzes or focus on the One who controls all. The best way I know to do this is to read the Bible, God’s words. Put your focus here, on the One who overcomes fear.

Jesus calmed the waters with three words, “Peace be still.” The raging seas stopped. Fear subsided.

Remember lesson eight. Fear is a trigger for action, a sign to move forward, to follow God and push through. Never let fear stop you from doing. In fact, if you fear something, go after it hard. When you do, doors will open and you will see the world differently. God will lead you to places you never imagined. When you feel fear, recognize it and follow it.

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