Happy New Year Y’all!
Can we talk for a moment about fear?
The kind that stops us from using our voice, pursuing opportunities, and embracing the plans God has for us? I've been there. There was a time when the mere thought of speaking publicly sent shivers down my spine. Childhood teasing about my voice and how I sounded left scars, creating a fear that followed me through my adulthood. I also struggled with people-pleasing, the fear of not being good enough, felt like I wasn’t articulate enough, and lacked confidence.
But guess what? God had a different plan, and He's been teaching me some powerful lessons along the way.
The Fear that Hindered
Looking back on those moments, I realize the immense opportunities I let slip away due to fear. It held me back, and I wasted so much time, I sometimes settled in relationships and jobs, I was often afraid to speak up and use my voice because of shyness and fear of people's opinions, and it delayed my obedience to God. Trying to launch my business the first time became a challenge as this fear held me back from growth and genuine connection with customers. These fears became stumbling blocks, hindering the success God had planned.
Can you relate to that tug-of-war between your calling and the whispers of insecurity, doubt, and fear? 🤔
Last Year's Divine Assignment:
So last year, God challenged me to go live every day on IG until He said stop. 😲 Yup, daily lives, even while on bed rest, from my bed, in PJs, with my son as my co-host. This was waayyy out of my comfort zone. I did not want to do it, and attempted negotiations with God, and even tried to delay, citing the bed rest as an excuse. However, His instruction was crystal clear. He wasn't playing with me. He reminded me that I am not doing this alone, He would be with me, and guide me through it. He gave me this verse to hold onto.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 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
Those first lives were not pretty y'all, they were messy and you could see my uncomfortableness in doing them AND watching the replays brought up triggers of overthinking, perfectionism, and comparison. Yet, I kept showing up (mostly consistent), while leaning into God's grace, and incorporating prayer and guidance before each live.
Faith Over Fear:
So did those fears vanish immediately and I started enjoying speaking in public and doing lives? No! But with me daily leaning into God, I found that those fears had little power over my life.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
Your faith and trust in God overcomes the spirit of fear; they can't coexist. It's like worry and worship – incompatible. Worship with its surrender to God cancels out the worry, stress, fear, and anxiety. That's why praise and worship is so important, but that's a discussion for another day, lol!
I learned four crucial lessons last year:
Do it with God while relinquishing reliance on your own strength (Zechariah 4:6)
Follow His instructions without your preconceived expectations on the outcome (Psalm 32:8)
Doing it God's way is NOT going to always make sense (Isa 55:8)
Also, your obedience to God isn't just about you; it also impacts the other people God is placing in your sphere. (Romans 1:5)
So, here's my question for you:
What has fear held you back from doing, despite God's nudges?
Go back to God, repent, and ask if those instructions He gave you is still a part of His plan for you. If it is, then do it; courageously take that step – imperfect, slightly messy, but rooted in obedience. Trust that if God placed the task before you, He's already equipped you for its fulfillment. I encourage you to not let fear hinder your stride in embracing everything God has destined for you. This is all a part of His plan.
Don't let fear rob you of God's promises. Your calling is greater than your fears, and you have others waiting on your YES. Let's walk boldly in everything God has for us this year. 💖
Ready to delve deeper? ✨
Join me for our virtual workshop on January 26th at 8 p.m.
Register now for just $25 – and let's dive deeper into overcoming fear and stepping into God's purpose together!
Until Next Time, OC Warriors!
In Love and Faith,
Melissa 💕“Your Identity Specialist”
Originally Crowned™
PS. If this message resonates with you, drop a ❤️ and share what part resonated with you in the comments below.
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