What Are You Really Afraid Of? by Joyce Averils
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11
I recently presented my "Are You Ready to Start Living Your Dreams?" workshop for a group of women. At the end of the session, a workshop participant came up to speak with me. She shared that God had placed it on her heart to start a ministry for single moms but she just couldn't move forward.
I listened for a few minutes as she laid out her vision for her ministry - its name, mission, where it would be located and other strategic matters. Once she finished speaking, I had just one question for her, "What are you really afraid of?" It was clear from our conversation that this young woman had prayed and God had answered her prayers, yet she was stuck.
It's not uncommon that as you identify your purpose and want to move forward in fulfilling your destiny, doubt shows up in the form of fear. It can be the fear of failure, success, self-doubt or something else. Whatever form it comes in, fear can have you second-guessing yourself - "Did I really hear from God?"
If God has given you a dream and you want to accomplish it, remember His promise in Jeremiah 29:11. He would not place a dream, mission or purpose in your heart, if He was not going to equip you to carry it out. Part of God's equipping is to help you through any fear that may be holding you back from moving forward and your ultimate success.
You are God's beloved, His chosen one. If you depend on Him to help you reach your dreams, He is able to take away all fear.
Action Challenge for You -
Answer the question: "What am I really afraid of that's stopping me from moving forward in God's plans for my life? Next, decide what you're going to do about it. Then take action!
© 2007 Joyce M. Averils About the Author Joyce Averils has been walking with the Lord for over twenty years. She serves as a church school teacher and a youth mentor at her church. She is also a certified Biblical Counselor, Christian life coach, inspirational speaker and author. Her website, http://www.refreshyourfaith.com is an online spa for the soul and when you visit you can sign up for her free mini-Bible Study, The Beauty Trap - Where Do You Get Your Self-Worth?
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