"To him who overcomes..."

"As long as I continue to push out into the world, as long as I continue to stretch my capabilites, as long as I continue to take risks in making my dreams come true, I am going to experience fear."
-- Susan Jeffers

Fear is a natural part of growth, but it cannot be the end. Fear is evidence that we are not staying where we are comfortable; we are pushing the limits, reaching for more. The problem is that fear can be crippling, if we allow it. However, if we can push through it, we become stronger, we reach our dreams, and often, we influence others.

Recently I've been thinking about the situations I will be going into the next few weeks and months. My first reaction: It's too much. Can I go back to sleep? My second: This is necessary. It's not easy, but it's essential if I want to move forward. And that brings me to a final realization: The Lord is with me, I will not fear.
Hebrews 12:2 says, ..." looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Let us look to Jesus. He overcame his own weaknesses and temptations, the criticism and opposition of the people around him, even abandonment and betrayal by his closest friends. He set an example, beckons us to follow Him, and promises His strength and help. We are called to overcome.

What do you think about having to do in the next year that makes you cringe inside? Is it moving away? Taking on another semester of school? Going deeper in relationships?
Whatever it is, you can do it. The difference between you and those around you who will not make it is that you will keep going when it gets hard. You will not let fear convince you to stay home and sulk. You will overcome.

For practical steps on how to overcome fear, read John Maxwell's recent post: http://bit.ly/gc4H1O.