Step Up and Step Out

Letting Go of Fear

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) NKJV

I was afraid. Scared to death.

It felt like I was frozen in place, unable to put one foot in front of the other. Fear leaves you feeling crippled and helpless.

I remember when our boys were very young and how excited they became when we went to the “big pool.” The big pool meant no more swimming with the babies. How cool is that? It also meant they must overcome the fear of swimming in the deep water. We watched as they stood at the edge of the pool, little toes squeezed tight to the pebbled concrete just daring to jump in. The fear of the unknown. The kids do not know how deep or cold the water is, they just know we will catch them and keep them safe when they do decide to jump.

Often, we stand at the edge of the pool of life staring at what lies ahead. If we can’t reach it or control it fear takes hold. When we give in to fear, it is the same as giving up. Our minds become paralyzed and controlled by it. At some point we’ve all been afraid of something like flying in an airplane, deep waters, public speaking or commitment. We can’t predict the outcome when we participate in them, and we assume the worst will happen before we do it.

You may have passed up a promising career or an important leadership role, because you fear failure. God knows we are a fearful people, but we do not have to be bound by it. He is our way of escape. When we fail to step out and trust God, we become complacent for what He wants to accomplish in our life. After the death of Moses, Joshua had a task set before him. The talents and abilities he needed to accomplish what God had called him to do were in place. God reminded Joshua, “to be strong, courageous and not to fear.” (Joshua 1:9)

Our heavenly Father, doesn’t want you to settle or give in to fear. He is there with arms stretched wide ready to catch you. All you have to do is trust Him and take a leap of faith.

~Denise Jenkins