Attempt Something Big

I once read the following and it forever changed my life:

I must attempt something that is so big that if it is not from God it is doomed to fail— so that when it works God will get all the glory. 

We often find ourselves on the edge of our destiny– the place to which the Lord beckons us to follow Him and then like a thief in the night fear comes knocking on our door. Fear is not a respecter of persons and he knocks softly at first and then he knocks more loudly until you give up or give in. Fear can squeeze out our faith; in fact fear is faith in the counterfeit kingdom. The kingdom of God uses faith as it’s currency. The counterfeit kingdom uses fear as it’s currency. So what must we do when God calls and fear knocks?

Don’t Let Fear In

So imagine with me for a moment. Fear comes knocking on the door. You tell fear: ” No, I will not let you in”. God has called you to step out in faith and to take a risk for him– to make a call to someone in need; to go back to school, take a new job, give more money to the church. Perhaps God is calling you to step out and be the hands and feet of Christ to someone at the grocery store, or in your workplace. The other day, I watched a disabled woman struggle at the Post Office. It was an effort for her just to get to her place in line. I waited for her until she got through the line and then offered to help her back to her car. It was a risk. I could have hurt her pride, embarrassed her, who knows? But she allowed me to help her and I think we were both blessed. What is God asking you to do that involves stepping out in faith? It might be something as simple as giving a helping hand, or it might be a life change that scares you to death. It might be letting go of a relationship that is not healthy or life giving. Regardless, fear crouches at the door waiting to give you 10 reasons you need to let him in. But don’t do it my friend. If you crack the door open he runs right on in. And before you know it he is comfortable in your house– your spiritual house that is. And he makes himself at home.

How to Resist Fear

First step is don’t let him in. Remind yourself that fear is not of God. Remind yourself that God is in charge and fear has no place to direct your thoughts or your actions. Hold on to the promises in God’s Word. Ask others to pray with you to continue to be faithful and not fearful. The battle is real. Fear wants to be in charge. But God’s Word says that the battle belongs to God. So next time you are tempted to give in to fear and not attempt something big (or small) press through. God will meet you on the doorstep of faith. For it is impossible to please God without faith.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)