Some things simply scare us. And naturally, we seek to avoid them at all cost. But running from our fears can also keep us paralyzed and stuck. Growth often demands we courageously face our many fears.
Certainly we can see this lesson growing up. Perhaps we were afraid of the dark or going to school for the first time. But eventually these were things we had to face in order to overcome.
And while it’s true we don’t have to confront every fear, and we can spend our entire life simply avoiding spiders, for example, no fears should keep us back from the good God has for us.
For instance, the fear of hurt and abandonment should not keep us from pursuing meaningful relationships. And we face this fear in part by learning to accept the suffering and loneliness that comes with every relationship.
As such, we’re free to embrace the natural ebb and flow of our relationships without running away.
The sting is still there. But we don’t have to run from issues or pretend everything is okay out of fear of rocking the boat. And this allows us to grow closer toward our relational potential.
The same is true in our fear of death. This fear robs us of life. But coming to terms with death reminds us to live passionately today and not to take for granted the important matters of life.
Likewise, facing our fear of insecurity allows us to discover deeper and lasting strength. We’re free to learn and grow when we no longer have to hide our current inadequacies.
In the end, facing our fears is simply courageously living by faith. It’s not pretending we’re not afraid. But it’s choosing to bravely face the danger before us anyway for a greater good.
Don’t let fears rob you of God’s best. Boldly face your fears and discover all that God has for you.
