God’s words to mankind have been the same for countless generations.  No matter the circumstance, when He calls us to step up, He says, “FEAR NOT!”   He said it to Abraham, He said it to Joshua, He said it to the women in the garden, and He continually says it to us.  Whenever we are called upon to make changes in our lives, to confront issues we need to face, to do anything of worth for the kingdom, He gently reminds us to fear not.

When I was a little girl, I can remember being so afraid of the dark when I would try to go to sleep at night.  It wasn’t so much the fear of the dark, but of what would come lurking out of my closet.  My mother gave me this scripture to memorize and dwell upon as I lay there each night.

2 Timothy 1:7  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

There have been many times in my life where I have felt Him whisper to my spirit, “don’t be afraid, now is not the time to shrink back, don’t throw away your confidence!”  All scriptures I recall from my childhood as a fear-filled wimp.

I think the common response for most people, regardless of age, when faced with difficulties in life is to be afraid.  It’s one thing to walk through our days ignorant of God’s plan, but entirely another when we realize He has a plan and we choose to do nothing because of fear.  It must really frustrate God.  I wonder if that’s why He has told us over and over and over in His word to not be afraid.

Last weekend I volunteered with a group of about 25 other women to serve the men of our church at their annual crab and steak feed.  There was something so intimidating about being extremely outnumbered in a room full of hundreds of men.  Another friend of mine who was serving with me, said, “you know I hate this, I can hardly breathe, I’m so nervous!”

And it got me thinking about how I am often inclined to submit to God when He calls me to serve humbly and quietly, (for example, baking cookies, or cleaning up after an event) but somehow think it less of a call from God when He calls me to serve Him loudly, (like organizing volunteers, or being super friendly in a crowd).  The levels of service we participate in are not ranked on a scale of more important to less important.  All are important and it’s up to God to determine when He needs us. Who are we to decide what is Godly service and what is not.

Whether comfortable or uncomfortable, I want to serve Him.  Whether easy or hard, I want to serve Him.  With my whole heart and my whole soul, however the need arises I want to be willing and ready to step up!
I love how Joyce Meyer puts it so simply.  She says, “Do it afraid”.  If we simply sit on the sidelines and wait for the fear to subside, most of us will be there a long, long time.  Don’t be a bystander in your own life.  Step out!  Even if you’re afraid.