The Healthy Kind Of Fear

So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Steve and I were talking about the building program our church had undertaken. Our conversation had a nervous tone to it because the project was bigger than anything the church had ever done. I was the pastor, so I had a lot at stake in this. Steve and his family had been attending the church for seven years and were deeply involved in it, so he had much at stake as well.

On paper, Steve and I knew we couldn’t afford the project. On paper, it would require everyone in the church to buy into the program at a level deeper than ever before. On paper, we were planning to triple the size of the church. But in my heart, I knew God was leading us in this direction.

Steve looked me in the eye and asked me, “Aren’t you scared of doing this?”

The best answer I could offer him was, “Yes, I am scared. But the only thing that scares me more is not doing it.”

We men often live with just this kind of fear. When we have an intimidating challenge ahead of us, if we think about it enough, we can muster up enough fear to walk away from it. But we know we can’t back off. We know it’s something we must do. And sometimes the only thing that keeps us moving forward is the conviction that not doing it is more frightening than doing it.

Is there something God wants you to do that scares you—enough that you are considering backing away and not doing it? If so, fix your mind on the fact that God has promised to be with you in everything he calls you to do. Then watch your fear melt away.

Lord, make my fear of not doing your will stronger than my fear of doing it.