Afraid To Try

Gò0dNews for Life

Afraid To Try

by Heather Tate

Afraid to try…afraid to fail…afraid to succeed!

Do thoughts such as these keep you from stepping faithfully into the purpose or calling God has placed on your life? Yes, these thoughts hinder my progress in God’s purpose! Maybe you feel the same.

I’ve taken some time to consider self-sabotage. I’m not speaking of conscious self-sabotage; no, it’s more the kind of self-sabotage the enemy tends to whisper in my ear to cause doubt and fear: fear that keeps me from moving forward in what I am supposed to do to fulfill my God-given purpose.

I considered areas of my life where I might avoid progress toward my God-given purpose. I am afraid to try because I am afraid not only of failure but that I won’t succeed: more importantly, that I can’t keep up with success! Yep, I’m afraid of success!

Let’s look at a verse about fulfilling our Godgiven purpose. The Christian Standard Bible (2017) says in Psalm 57:1-3, “Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes. I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. God sends his faithful love and truth.”

Verse two says, “…God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Knowing God fulfills His purpose for us, we can boldly move forward because His Word combined with our faith gives us the power to fight a battle against the enemy. James 1:5-6 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”

The key is to ask “without doubting.” Our doubts cause turbulence in our lives like a stormy sea. How often do we, as believers, demolish our own progress with our doubt? We fail to take a step forward in faith.

When I try to move forward, I often feel fear and doubt. We need to remember fear and doubt are not given by God. Fear and doubt are from the enemy. I make them a me problem; then they become a heart problem.

In what areas of your life where you feel the call of God on your heart do you find doubt keeping you from moving forward? Look at those areas, and compare the calling and purpose you believe you are meant to do with

God’s Word. Then meditate on 1 Peter 1:13: “Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Finally, rest in Colossians 3:23-24 as you do your work for the Lord: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”

I hope these words are both encouraging to you and action-inspiring! May you be blessed as you venture boldly into the purpose God has for you.

About The Author Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.