Fear on the Path Ahead

It’s no coincidence that the last day of my BLOGtober schedule ends on Halloween. Halloween is known for the exaggeration of our fears. The topic of “fear” popped up in multiple sermons and studies I was involved in over the end of September and that topic was exactly what propelled me to write for BLOGtober this October.

I had not published a post on my blog for around 4 months. Life and busyness were filling up my time and, truthfully, I was enjoying putting the writing timeline to the side for a while. I was feeling stuck…by fear.

Saying too much.

Saying the wrong thing. 

Not reaching enough people.

Being annoying on the internet.

Appearing as a “know-it-all.”

Writing for all the world to see on topics that are close to my heart can be a pretty nerve wracking thing, especially since I loathe confrontations in person and on social media.

Fear is something that, unfortunately, will never fully disappear from my life. It’s easy to work on fearing less, but it can sneak up on all of us in unexpected ways. The one thing I can control is the amount of power I give it. Recognizing what I am afraid of and speaking it out loud to trusted friends/family for support is an excellent way to overtake fears ability to control me.

So what did I do while caught up in the fear of writing again?

I wrote.

I trusted God to lead the right people to the posts that would help them out and wrote what was on my heart. I wrote about deeper subjects and even more “frivolous” ones that were fun. And you know what happened? It was a success and I was able to see what topics people are more interested in.

You know what was funny? The post I was most afraid to write about that had my palms sweating a little as I pushed “publish” was the most “viewed” and “shared” of them all. (Wondering which one that was? Check it out HERE).

Do you see some of your fears as a litmus test of what you should be doing? I fully believe that what we are most anxious about doing are sometimes the most fulfilling and important things we can do. I think Satan knows what we are capable of and will try to discourage us as much as he can.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – Jesus (John 10:10)

We may not see the grand repercussion of our steps to beat fear in the following week, month, or even our lifetime, but God can use it for good at any time He pleases, that’s for sure.

Fear is determined on the inability to know the outcome of a behavior or event and imagining the very worst outcome that could happen while making that “real” in our own mind as if it already happened.

What are your fears? They may be similar to ones I’ve had and have:

Inability to take care for myself and those I love.

Being alone at an old age.

Being misled.

Losing someone I love.

Being rejected.

Being hurt physically or emotionally.

Not doing the right thing at the right time.

Not being good enough.

What helps me through my fears of inability, pain, or loss? It’s knowing that this world is not my home. I know that there is pain in this world that I, unfortunately, will not be able to escape from. I understand the odds of being hurt physically or getting illness are high. I understand that I will die one day whether I am 35 or 95. I will leave loved ones behind and I will be left behind too. I will be rejected and may be alone more than I desire in the future.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus

(John 16:33)

When I face the reality that my fears can come true, and might one day, they have less power over me. I know the final result….and it’s not the result of my fear or the worst case scenario.

The final result of it all is: HEAVEN.

When my life is over here on Earth there is an eternity waiting for me where there will be no more tears, pain, fears, hurts, or sorrow.

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Heaven is where my treasure and hopes are found! That is how I get through the fears that want to entangle my mind and heart like a spider web on the day-to-day.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Jesus (Matthew 6:19-21)

The ins and outs are going to happen. I accept that. And I know where my hope is found and that can’t be taken away from me.

In knowing this, I will not live with a depressed or passive heart but with the hope and joy that comes from knowing the final ending! I know how this all turns out and I have a reason to be joyful in the sorrow.

Even when we have to lean on each other with scars and bandages, and look up to heaven through tears, we know they will be dried away and healed one faithful day.

That’s why I must keep going forward. That’s why I can’t give in to the fear while I walk the path ahead.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

I can’t pretend fear doesn’t exist because it will find me. I will fight and move forward on my path continually with God’s grace.  The path of the everyday unknown is ahead. The path I walk with Jesus as my guide is ahead. The path that will have pain and joy is ahead. The path that has thorns and weeds and cliffs of despair is ahead. The path that has heaven just on the other side is ahead.

Will you fix your eyes on Jesus while walking on the path set before you? He will hold your hand through the occurrences and mindsets that can cause you fear and help you move faithfully forward.

Let Him guide your steps through what causes you fear on the path ahead.