It is so easy to live a life of fear. Living in fear means not moving from a comfort zone or taking risks. It's the most comfortable option, isn't it? The world seems to be so eager to instill fear into our hearts and minds. One of the scary things about fear is that it can creep in so quickly and quietly. The more I think about the fears that have taken up residence in my own life the more I realize that they all have one thing in common; a fear of failure. This fear shows itself in the little things. Things like choosing not to answer questions in class for fear of being wrong or choosing not to start something new in fear of not being good at it. But if we are being honest, who cares?! Get over it.
However, a fear of failure can show up in other more intimate and personal ways. I would argue that one of the most impactful ways is the lies this fear cultivates within oneself.
Fear is an evolving and manipulative thing. It has the ability to remind us of our weaknesses and humanity. The world is always telling us that we aren't good enough. Not successful enough, pretty enough, likable enough. Just not enough. This is one of the greatest lies fear likes to tell. Oswald Chambers writes, "The good is the enemy of the best in everyone. Not the bad, but the good that is not good enough." It becomes so easy to allow fear to steal and contort the good. As a result we miss out on the good and beautiful things of life just waiting to be noticed and unveiled.
As real and powerful as the fear that may have taken hold in your life, it is not the end and it certainly is not defining. Your Maker is waiting to take all of those fears away. All of the lies, shame, and condemnation that fear has instilled. Fear is a choice. You may choose the "comfortable" way by not acknowledging the fears. By doing so, you only allow the fears and lies to grow deeper. The other option is to choose courage. This choice may not be as comfortable at first because it requires allowing yourself to be vulnerable but it is also allowing yourself to be freed.
Choose courage, brave ones.