Sunday, January 16, 2011

"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.
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3 comments:

  1. Rachel MoenJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    YEAH JUDITH! This hit home. Thank you friend, for seeing deeply when I am sometimes blinded by fear.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TravisJanuary 17, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Thank you for this. Placing all of our bets on hope lets us have faith. The moment we begin to doubt, fear takes over. Timely, Ju.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patrick K CurrieJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    On this MLK day, a lot of inspiring quotes come to mind to echo your words here.

    First, "Jesus isn't a rock." But that's a paradox, because He is.

    Second, "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." This quote is trying to say what you are saying, but it doesn't do a good job. Also false.

    Third, "There ain't to tea party like my grandma's tea party." There is a deep meaning that I haven't yet grasped fully. I'l return here later.

    Last, "Someone must get hurt." MLK Jr said that. Seriously. Pain is crucial to growth. Smell the burning flesh. It's a pleasant aroma to the Father, and to those who seek life.

    And again, "Pain is designed to shape our wills." (Dr Dow)

    P.S. Cpt David Farragut of the Union Army in 1863 declared to his crew, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"

    Ju, I'm glad you are posting again. Bonanza.

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