I was reminded in a meeting yesterday of my semester abroad during college. I studied four months in Spain. I was absolutely horrified to go. I arrived in the Iberian peninsula in a daze, unable to communicate with anyone, not knowing anyone. I collapsed in heap and cried.
Fast forward four months. Upon my return home, I was proficient in Spanish. I had traveled the trains through Europe, seeing some amazing sites and experiencing life like I had never before.
Victory
Going to Spain required me to be vulnerable and risk failure, rejection, mocking, disapproval, disappointment. With risk, however, there’s also opportunity for victory – for gratifying new experiences, for a more confident and expressive self, for love and joy. If I had never take that risk, I would never have known the beauty and wonder of Spain and Europe, or the sense of accomplishment of learning the Spanish language. Similarly, if I had never risked taking a small step of faith to attend church, I may have never known the power of the Holy Spirit to change my heart and overcome depression.
All of the greatest accomplishments and events in my life have come at the risk of rejection and failure. So why does fear hold me back now? What joys am I missing out on by letting fear control me?
Fear and the need to control are from Satan. He wants me to be consumed with fear so that I cannot experience joy.
Paul as an Example
Every day of Paul’s post-conversion life was filled with risk and vulnerability. He faced risk knowing Christ watched and protected him, and the Spirit guided his words and travels. He achieved great victories for Christ and experienced the depth of joy and contentment by boldly preaching the gospel and being vulnerable. Others are also examples of vulnerability and complete trust in God: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Noah, David, Gideon, Ruth, Ester, Mary, John the Baptist.
Take a Risk
True contentment, peace and joy only come when we’re willing to make ourselves vulnerable while having complete faith that God, because of his love for us, will see us through our fear or any situation. Take a step in faith. Experience victory and joy.
Pastor Hous shares a similar thought in his coaching today.
What have you always wanted to do but let fear hold you back? What risk can you take today to live boldly? How can you rely on God to help you face your fear?
