Fear is in everyone, be it the fear of rejection, fear of heights, fear of death, fear of spiders or any other form of fear. Some of these fears are harmless, but others can be crippling.
Fear is defined as "feelings of dread or terror." These feelings can sometimes be healthy; take for instance the moment when we fear putting our hand in the fire and thus refrain from doing so. However, there can also be instances where fear inhibits us from doing something that we must do.
God's desire for us is not to be crippled out of fear, but to be courageous in carrying out the work that He has faithfully prepared for us. God wants us to step out in faith for greater increase, boldly profess His name to others and stand for His righteousness in our homes, offices, campuses and churches.
How can we make sure that we are not crippled by fear when obeying God? Here are ways to conquer fear and it's paralyzing effects.
Fear God
Deuteronomy 6:13 says, "It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear." The fear of God does not simply imply that we should be afraid of His punishment -- though that is a good starting point. The greatest fear we have should be the fear of grieving the loving God who has so graciously given us life and provided for us lavishly.
When we fear God above all else, we will be motivated by this fear to cast out every other fear. Like when we stand for what is right in the office and refuse to give in to corruption because the fear of grieving God is greater than the fear of losing income or your job.
Be reminded that we are sons and daughters
Romans 8:15 says, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father.' Because God is our Father, we can be assured that as sons and daughters we are under His protection as we carry out our roles as believers.
Why fear rejection and loneliness when sharing the gospel and our testimony to our friends when God has already invited you into His family?
Trust in Jesus's perfect love
1 John 4:18 tells us "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." And as far as love is concerned, there is only one person whose love is perfect in every way -- Jesus Christ. In the moments we are crippled by fear to step out in faith or pursue God's will, we can be reminded that the finished work of Christ has already sealed the deal for us and that Jesus has already overcome the world.
When we trust in our own passion and love, there is a tendency to fail. However, when we put out trust in Jesus and His unfailing love, we can come out successful.
