Fear Exposed Part 1

 
Fear is the enemy of opportunity. Have you ever noticed the knee-jerk reaction you get whenever you are presented with a new opportunity or challenge? To shrink, stop or doubt. The opportunity could be an invitation to speak in public, a career change, a new leadership task or meeting new people. We never admit it is fear. Instead we may excuse our reaction with; “it’s not for me” “I don’t have time” or “I just don’t want to”. It is still always easier and more comfortable to stay where we are, isn’t it. I suspect that fear will attempt to pop up throughout our lives. Since it will keep doing its job, let’s do ours and expose it.

1. Fear is not an integral attribute of your design. 

Though it may feel like it is a part of us,  we were not created with fear. We were created in the image of God. Last time I read the bible, God pretty much always conquers. He repeats Himself several times: Do not fear. Do not fear. Instead  we are to be like Him! Powerful, and Confident.

2. Fear is an invisible enemy.

Fear is discreetly private with you.  Most of its conversations with you take place in the mind.  It hates interruptions and so works diligently to keep you silent. Its loud suggestions are convincing. It has inducing powers. Think about this question out loud: What am I afraid of?  Getting hurt.  Not being liked.  Failure.  Rejection? Talking out loud about this with God is very liberating.

3. Fear seeks to prevent the discovery of your greatest assets and gifts.

This enemy is afraid of your potential influence if you come out of yourself. If is afraid of your public speaking if you begin to speak. It is afraid of the powerful relationships you will forge if you become friendly. It is afraid of your leadership if you step out. It is afraid of the potential in your ideas, your service, and your message.  Fear is an expert at keeping you from discovering your strengths.

4. Fear keeps you from favor.

 It is probably strongest in the area of interpersonal arenas. There are 2 types of favor; favor from God and favor from man.  Fear creeps in to block access to the latter. Being afraid of people, afraid of their opinions and afraid of their power may cause you to behave weird, wrong, and wimpy. Let them meet the real you. You are a great person.

5. Fear wins twice: P & R.  P is for potential and R is for regret.

 Fear Parks your Potential and Reverses you destiny. Regret is a reversing action. It keeps you looking back, always wondering ‘What if?” Both gears keep a car from moving forward. At least in neutral the car is sensitive to the topography. Obliging fear cheats you twice; now and later.