Is something holding you back, keeping you from taking the chance you are thinking of taking? Is fear keeping you from growing as a person, from moving ahead in your life?
Fear is a natural thing. We fear the unknown. We may fear the possibility of failure.
But ask yourself, What is the worst that can happen?
Regarding fear, the great Eleanor Roosevelt once said:
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
We all have our fears to face. We all have adversity in our lives. Sometimes we wonder if we have what it takes to face these difficulties.
Some years ago, we attended the wedding of a cousin out of state. This poor guy has suffered his whole life from violent seizures. So much so, that we wondered if he would ever have a normal life. And there he was on the altar with his bride getting married.
That same day, we drove back to central New Jersey for the 50th birthday party of an friend from church. She had been battling cancer for years, with several close calls. Despite the presence of Death that walked with her every day, she was a joy-filled woman, living every moment to the full.
There is a Gospel story of Jesus walking on the water in the storm and Peter coming out of the boat to meet him:
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ““Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith? Why did you doubt?”
Peter began to walk by faith, but then sank from fear of the water and strong winds.
To walk by faith means to trust in what you cannot see.
There is much in the world these days that can terrify us. What helps you to overcome fear and adversity in your life?
Terrence Seamon helps others who are in transition to have faith, move ahead, and achieve their goals. Follow him on twitter @tseamon, and join his alliance on facebook, Facilitation Solutions.
