Due to Circumstances beyond Our Control - Fear (Part Trois)

Due to Circumstances beyond Our Control - Fear (Part Trois)

The way in which we think of ourselves has everything to do with how our world sees us. —Arlene Raven

REGARDLESS OF HOW self-confident we appear to others, at our core, we are all deeply insecure. We so desire to be accepted and so fear rejection that we often do things we don’t want to do, deal with people we do not respect, and make appearances when we’d rather stay home. Why? We fear others will not be pleased, and if they’re not pleased, they will reject us.

I don’t really want to go to that party tonight, but I must go. What if I’m not invited to the next celebration?

They said I don’t have to attend today’s meeting and I don’t want to but I must go. What if they go forward with the project without me and I’m not asked to serve next time?

I don’t want to spend another holiday with my in-laws; I’d like to spend one with my own parents, but I must go. What if my mother-in-law gets mad at me?

Have you ever wondered how much time you spend each year doing things you don’t want to do because you’re afraid of the rejection that might come later?

The aforementioned situations are all personal examples. I hate to admit how much time I have spent at parties, events, gatherings, and meetings due to my fear of ridicule or rejection. Insecurity drove my time investments; not desire.

I failed to have faith in my sustaining value to my family, my friends, and the organizations I served.

I can testify that

my family still loves me;

I still have friends;

the organizations I serve still need me; and

I no longer sit in committee meetings where I’m bored stiff.

What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

Take a chance: when you really don’t want to do something—don’t do it.