Fear or Adventure, Part 1- Deciding To Overcome Fear
What are you afraid of? Tandy shares how she decided to overcome fear, and take on a new adventure by praying and trusting God.
An Exciting Opportunity
I had an opportunity that excited and terrified me at the same time. This was something I’d been interested in for several years. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve said, “Someday.” An invitation had just been received from my daughter to join her and a friend for this adventure.
Talking brave was one thing; being brave was an entirely different matter. No more, someday. The time had come to make a decision. Either I needed to go ahead or completely give up on this adventure. I felt like someone had called my bluff!
Conflicting thoughts competed for space in my mind. There was a possibility of harm. I’ve always erred on the side of caution. This has ensured my safety, but I wonder what the cost has been.
A song that I heard many years ago sprang to mind. The words, “Everything in moderation, that’s the way it’s always been” pretty much describes my life. The lyrics go on to express a longing for more. This is the stirring deep inside of me that I feel now. God has many adventures in store for me. In order to embrace them I need to keep an open mind. My overly conservative outlook may be holding me back.
I wonder if I’ve played it safe for long enough. Maybe I need this adventure to take me farther out of my comfort zone than I’ve ever been. Then again, I’m a woman in her early 60’s that has never done anything that could be remotely associated with risk. Do I have the courage to participate in something that most people would not consider?
The Bible And Fear
The Bible has much to say about fear. Several verses from the book of Isaiah come to mind. Chapter 35:4 says; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear”; In chapter 41:10 it says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Then in verse 13: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
I know this is out of context with what I’m thinking of doing, but I decide to pray about it for a week before making a decision. If I shouldn’t go ahead, I’m confident that God will let me know.
Deciding To Overcome Fear
During this time I happened to hear a song called, Live Like You Were Dying. Currently I have my health. A physical examination with all the required tests was recently completed and no problems were found. At this point in time I have loved ones who are facing severe health issues. They are limited in many everyday activities and wouldn’t be able to do what I’m considering even if they wanted to. I don’t want to look back with regret that I let fear rob me of an adventure I was capable of.
Psalm 73:4 says, “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.” In 3 John: 2 I read, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” My body is strong and all is good with my soul. Maybe this is an indication I should go ahead.
I was looking for a quote to share with a friend when I rediscovered this one by Mark Twain. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” This speaks to me more now than ever before.
Everything seems to be lining up but there is one more concern. That is the cost of the activity. There are far more practical uses for the money. There are a few scripture verses about this, too. In 1 Timothy 6:7, I read, “We didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out of it. As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.” If I am satisfied with what I have and don’t want to purchase anything new, I can make this work.
A Decision Face Adventure And Overcome Fear!
Another quote comes to mind. This one is from Jim Rohn. “If you want something badly enough you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”
This adventure could certainly spark things to write about. Conquering fear may even fuel my creativity. That seems like a good reason to go ahead.
After prayer and weighing the pros and cons, a decision has been made. It will take a direct intervention by God to change my mind. I can hardly wait to tell you all about it next week!
Tandy Balson
Tandy Balson is a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, volunteer and observer of life. Her greatest joys include spending time with family and friends, enjoying time in nature, reading and writing. She also gives a good foot rub. There’s a long line for this but you’re welcome to join it!
Tandy has been doing inspirational speaking in Western Canada since 2001. She is the author of two books, one of which was a finalist for The 2016 Word Awards in the inspirational/devotional book category. Tandy posts inspirational messages twice a week on her website blog. Find more information at www.timewithtandy.com
Tandy’s show, “Time With Tandy” airs on HopeStreamRadio. In her program she reflects on spiritual lessons from her observations of life, to encourage and strengthen us in our faith.
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Images courtesy of:
Urban- Wokandapic
Car- MMckein
Girl- Madolinlonut
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