Fear is a Lie

I believe I am not wrong in saying that most people have had either crippling or numbing fear that had almost or would have prevented us from pursuing or starting something we have always desired to. It is important to note that I am not referring to the fear we feel when faced with a dangerous situation but the fear we feel when faced with uncertainties. There is a popular acronym I always keep in mind whenever fear creeps up on me.

F-False

E- Experience

A-appearing

R-real. This acronym practically sums up what fear is. In most instances, what we are afraid of never happen. It is an illusion we build in our heads and our minds.

Don’t get it twisted, fear is a valid emotion, and of course, it is wise to be exercise a level of fear because that way, we are cautious and approach any situation we encounter with care. The problem is dwelling on that fear longer than is expected when we don’t have any reason to. It is ok to be fearful when you are about to start a new role because you are not familiar with the work culture, it is ok to be afraid of moving to a new country far from family and friends, it is ok to be scared to start something new. But it is not ok to allow that fear to cloud your judgment and make you quit or not take any action.

Besides the famous and general reason that causes fear in humans, which is being in a dangerous situation, several reasons trigger anxiety in people, and this can be summed up as the fear of the unknown. With uncertainty comes fear. As humans, we have become used to being in control and taking charge of our lives. We have become so self-reliant and sufficient that when we are faced with situations, we have no control over, we are overcome with fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 says that For God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind. While pondering on this verse, “Sound Mind” stood out to me. This is because when we have a sound mind we can make rational decisions. But fear sometimes makes us irrational, to the point that we cannot think clearly. I am reminded of when I was planning to go to the UK for my master's degree after God has answered my prayer and provided money for all I needed. After paying my fees, I remember being gripped by such an unfound fear I had never experienced. I was leaving my family for the first time to a new country where I knew no one. My fear was how will I make new friends, how will I survive. I have been so comfortable living under my parent’s protection, and the fear of leaving that protection was real. I was scared of being alone in a foreign land. The fear was so bad that I wrote an email withdrawing my admission. I was ready to give up a chance of expanding my horizon because of my fear of the unknown. But before hitting the send button, I had to give myself some pep talk and talk myself out of the fear. The pep talk involved looking at the bigger picture. I imagined coming home to Nigeria with a master’s degree and getting a better paying job because of my international exposure. The benefits far outweighed my fear. But ultimately I kept reciting the promises of God over myself and my life and I proceeded to travel for my master’s degree. All I can say now is that I am beyond grateful to God that I overcame my fear.

The big question is, how do we overcome or live above fear? From the human perspective and my experience, one will weigh the pros and the cons and go with the flow. But as Christians, we ought to abide by the scriptures. Here are some bible passages to help you overcome your fears;

God is with you: God will not take us into a situation without his guidance. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God will never forsake you: God is the creator of the universe. He is omnipresent, which means His presence is everywhere and so wherever you find yourself, He is there with you. Deuteronomy 31:8 “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Trust God at all times: Going into the unknown requires trust, besides trusting yourself to succeed wherever you go. Trusting God is all we need because he is the one who knows and holds your future. He created us. He knows the end from the beginning. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Guard your thoughts: As Christians, fear is an emotion that “temporarily” takes our attention away from God, but we have to take captive the thoughts and what we are afraid of. Fear arises from our imaginations running wild and conjuring every worst-case scenario. Rather than imagining the worst-case scenario, we can condition our minds to imagine the best-case scenario. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Pray: Rest on the promises of God and let His peace wash over you. Pray without ceasing. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The truth is that going into the unknown is scary because it is plagued with uncertainty. But if you do not step out, you will never experience the world of opportunities waiting for you on the other side. The important thing to remember is that God has got you, He always has, and He always will. Never forget that.

Until my next blog, stay blessed and fruitful.

Much love

Victoria.