Why are you Afraid?

And the Lord asked me:

"Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith" (Mark 5:40)

Do you struggle with fear? I do. I never really knew this about myself until a few years ago. If you would have asked me if fear was an issue in my life I would have definitely said No. I was raised to be strong and independent. I know how to put on a tough front and I've worked hard to never let people see my weaknesses. You can't be strong and fearful at the same time. Right? Wrong..

It wasn't until I began digging deeper in my walk with God that I uncovered this "secret" about myself. It wasn't until the Lord began stretching and growing my faith that I realized how fearful I really am. When you've played it safe your whole life it's easy to say you're not afraid. I'm really good at rationalizing why I've always lived life on the sideline instead of joining the game. I know how to hold people at arms length so they can't get too close. I've created a very safe life for myself and never stepped outside what was familiar and comfortable. So, you can imagine my surprise when fear reared it's ugly head. It magnified itself each time God asked me to step out of my comfort zone.
           
                You want me to pray out loud at Bible Study?
                You want me to lead a small group?
                You want me to share my heart with these women?
                You want me to go to Haiti?

On an on the list goes and each time the Lord calls me to something new I always question. Lord are sure you want Me to do that? I'm not equipped for that. But every time I step out in faith and obedience do you know what happens? The Lord equips me and strengthens me and He blesses me in ways I never could have imagined.

                 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will   strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Since I know this to be true, how can I be afraid to step out in faith to whatever it is He is calling me to? It's time to get in the game. It's time to live boldly for Him. What am I afraid of anyway? Who am I living to please? God or man?

He is faithful and He has commanded me to:

                 "Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Life is full of unknowns but the one thing that is constant is our God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever He calls me to do He will enable me to complete it. Even when it seems impossible. All things are possible with God!

                     "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" (Psalm 56:3)

What is God calling you to do? Are you ready to step out in faith and leave fear behind? I am.