Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (Proverbs 29:25)
Can I just tell you how much I love small towns? I remember speaking at a tiny church in Wyoming a few years ago.
This annual tea was a big deal for the church and it’s community. Girls as young as six and women as old as one-hundred showed up in their best clothes. The husbands and sons, dressed in tuxedos, served the tea.
Oh it was quite the shindig.
As the coordinator began to introduce me, I noticed an odd sound in the room resembling a steady beat. It kept getting louder and faster but I couldn’t find the source.
This noise was so distracting! I knew it was going to drive me nuts while I was trying to speak because it was loud. So slowly I looked around, trying to place it… but no luck.
And then it hit me…
I realized that the sound resonating throughout the room was my fear! The microphone was clipped to my lapel and located right over my heart which was pounding out of my chest with anxiety.
Quickly, I moved it over to my other lapel vowing to never place a mic over my heart again.
There was no hiding the fact that I was afraid.
- I was fearful they would hate me.
- I was scared they wouldn’t think my jokes were funny. (I am funny)
- I was concerned I’d put people to sleep. (done it)
- I was anxious that I’d talk too fast and a bad word would slip out instead of scripture. (seen it happen)
- I was freaking out thinking they’d hate my clothes and I would see judgement on their faces.
Sometimes people scare me.
But God tells us that when we let them, it’s a dangerous trap.
Why? Because when we are fearful, it can affect everything we try to do.
- We don’t invite others into our homes because they may not like how we decorate.
- We buy dessert from the bakery rather than bake it ourselves because those women are better in the kitchen.
- We never agree to lead a Bible study because people may not sign up for our group.
- We don’t speak up with the answer because it might be wrong.
- We don’t step into our calling because we might fail publically.
Fear of man can be such a driving force. It can be a part of every decision and every choice, every day.
You know what else? It taps into our sense of value, making fear of man even more dangerous for us. You see when we function out of that kind of fear… we forget.
- We forget that God created us for a specific purpose.
- We forget that we are beloved children to the One true King.
- We forget that we are already accepted, significant and secure in Christ.
And if Christ is for us, who can be against us?
Well, I’ve come a long way since those early days in my speaking ministry. Yes, I still get all nervous in those few moments before I open my mouth. But now I know that when I give into fear, it’s a breeding ground for the Enemy.
He loves to see me paralyzed in my fear. The enemy loves to see the same in you.
Sisters, you are precious to God. Stand up for yourselves! Don’t allow fear – a classic tactic of Satan – to win. Just stare him down.
Because you see… when we refuse to listen to the Enemy and instead trust God, we are kept safe under His divine protection.
And I’ve seen that promise kept a million times.
©2011 careyscotttalks.com
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The reason I gave for not wanting to lead the Bible Study Group was I wasn’t (still not) eloquent enough. I eventually yielded myself to God and allowed (allowing) him to take control. I can’t say after saying yes everything has been smooth sailing, but I know there’s a lesson to be learned every step of the way.
Like you said, trusting God keeps us safe!
Kifayat… great point! Just because we push through the fear, we aren’t guaranteed any easy walk. But we do learn along the way and God is strengthening us. Great addition to the devo!
Carey,
Thank you for these words. I am totally brave and not intimidated about so many things -BUT- I notice sometimes I don’t invite others into my home or space as I may not be the decorator they are or the clean freak they are or they might know me too well. “What;s that about?” Yikes.. I am totally going to get over that! Thanks for the reminder Love to family and hugs on Sara and Sam.
Janet
Hi sweet Janet! I’m just like you because I am strong in so many way. But there are those few areas where I cower. This was a good reminder for me, too!
Great post Carey! From the time I woke up this morning I have been singing the old hymn Be Strong in the Lord. The last verse is Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage; Your mighty Commander will vanquish the foe. Fear not the battle, for the vict’ry is always His; He will protect you wherever you go. Thank you for standing up for Christ! – Mary
Mary, I love to wake up with a song on my mind. What a sweet song and words to live by! Hoping to see you at She Speaks this year!
Hi Carey- Been getting your devotional emails for some time now. This is Kelly Johnson, formerly Kelly Ivey (Karen’s sister.) Just wanted to thank you for today’s post; the timing is fabulous. I am leading my first women’s retreat this weekend in a little town in Minnesota. It starts this evening and I woke up thinking “what the heck am I doing?” Opening my email and reading this post on fear reminded me that God is in charge and, with Him, I have nothing to fear! Thanks for all your encouraging words!! Blessings- Kelly
Kelly! I had no idea you were a subscriber… thank you! Oh, I remember my FIRST retreat. Scared to death, but God was so faithful! I bless you this weekend knowing while you will empty yourself for these women, God will fill you up to full. How exciting! God is ready to bless these women through your words. Just be obedient and he will bless it. “Be strong and courageous!
Powerful words my friend! No wonder the Lord’s words – perfect LOVE cast out fear – create such longing in our hearts!!! I long to have that kind of perfect love with my Savior! Our fear is not an excuse to not do God’s work/plan for our life. Thank you!!!! This was truth – with power!!!
Truth with power…. The best kind! Thanks sister!