“I’m done.” These are the words I wrote in my journal. “I’m done. Done believing the lies. Done holding back. I’m done bowing down to the fear of failure.”
Have you ever sensed God calling you to some task? No sooner does He give you the vision, that you begin making excuses. Like the time Moses argued with God that he couldn’t speak well. Or when Jonah ran away because he refused to believe the people of Nineveh deserved God’s mercy.
How often do we do the same? We argue with God, make excuses, even run away. Recently, I asked God to expose my fears. I needed to know what was holding me back from fulfilling the tasks God has given me to do. Simply put, it was fear of failure. Fear that pride would dig its claws into me and bring me down. The thought of grieving God kept me paralyzed with fear. How tragic!
The Enemy’s Victory
I was giving victory to the enemy! Fears can be subtle; even appearing noble (“I don’t want to disappoint God”). These fears are rooted in pride and unbelief. And there is nothing noble about that.
This reminds me of the parable of the talents that Jesus taught. The Master, who represents Jesus, gave resources to each of His servants to invest “in accordance with his ability.” Two of the men invested wisely. However, the third man buried his gift. When the Master returned, the man made excuses,
“I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid and I hid your talent in the ground. Here, [take back] what is yours.” (Matthew 25:24-25 ESV)
The interesting thing about this parable is that the Master never defends Himself. He never corrects the lies his servant believed about Him. He doesn’t need to. Because the man’s own words condemn him.
“You knew [this about me]? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.” (Matthew 25:26-27 ESV)
Believing the Lies
I believed the lies. I was keeping Jesus’s gift buried in the sand, as if this would save Him grief. But which grieves God more: taking a risk or burying His gift?
The truth is that God is for us. Because no One is more invested in our victory than the One who paid for it with His own blood.
And so I confessed my fear. Fear that my pride would become a stench to God and He would regret ever trusting me with this ministry. God responded with such kindness. As I opened my Bible to the book of Joshua, I read three times, “Be strong and courageous.” And “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Be Strong and Courageous
Then, as if to ensure I heard Him, He confirmed His message once more. I opened my journal to write. At the bottom of each page is a random Bible verse. I opened my journal to the next blank page. Tears of joy welled up when I read this verse at the bottom:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)
The Day is Drawing Near
God is faithful. And He is for us. But our window of opportunity to invest in His Kingdom is closing. Because immediately preceding the parable of the talents is a sober warning. Concerning His return, Jesus implores us, “…keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” (Matthew 25:13 NLT)
Friends, our time is short. Are there any lies you need to surrender? Gifts you need to invest? What would it look like for you to take a risk with God?
Looking for a fresh idea for your next Bible study? These two women were each willing to risk everything – her future, her reputation – even her life! – yet God blessed each of them, even weaving them into the lineage of Christ! Find out more about TAMAR, Judah’s daughter-ln-law who disguised herself as a prostitute, became pregnant by her father-in-law – and ended up in the ancestry of Christ. And then there is RAHAB, the prostitute of Jericho, who risked everything to save her family and ends up marrying a prince. The prostitute marries a prince! Trust me, these are two fascinating Bible stories you do not want to miss!Â
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
Thank you for this, Shadia! It’s such a good reminder that we can become paralyzed by our fears, but God wants so much more for us.
Amen, Jennifer. He wants even more for us than we do!
Thank you for this peek into your sweet exchange with God through His Word, Shadia! I do struggle with the fear of failure at times, so I deeply appreciate your comment, ‘I was giving victory to the enemy!”…something I think I/we can easily lose sight of when we become fully focused on our fears. Your post is an honest, loving reminder that we need to draw our attention away from the enemy and back to the Truth. Blessings, dear sister! ?
I am so glad the post blessed you, Sandi. This is something we all struggle with. We can be comforted in knowing God is gentle and patient as we learn to trust in His unfailing love.
The questions you gave us are my concern. Are there any lies I need to surrender? Are there gifts I need to invest?
Thank you for your faithful example and words. They really inspire me. God bless you for your writing and emails.
Blessings, dear sister. I am so delighted God used this article to lovingly challenge you. I am honored to serve you. May the Lord bless you as you walk with Him.