10 Ways Fear Paralyzes Christian Leaders

Most of us recognize by now that fear is a powerful controller in our lives. But are you aware that fear is disguised as many other common emotions? Emotions like confusion, embarrassment, insecurity, helplessness and discouragement, all are fueled by fear.

Fears can run rampant in our minds if we
allow them to...

Because fear is such an influential and pervasive weapon against growth, it's vital to our personal progress that we recognize how these fears manifest themselves in our day to day lives. Attention should be particularly given to the damaging impact on our faith these negative feelings can have when allowed to languish in our thoughts.

Over the years I've found in my own life, as well as the lives of many others, that the kinds of fears which can extinguish a leaders confidence present themselves in a diversity of similar hues. Below I've created a list of 10 of the most common expressions of fearful thoughts in the minds of Christian leaders,  entrepreneurs and pioneers. 

1. Anxiety: Allowing others opinions define what you can or cannot do. "I saw the way she/he looked at me when I told them my dreams...they don't think I'm capable...they probably think I'm crazy..."
2. Confusion: "Am I really doing God's will...maybe I'm not?
3.  Bewilderment: Doubt about the peace which God gave you initially: (If the Lord gave you the peace to do something He hasn't changed his mind; He's not wishy-washy).
4. Embarrassment: "If others knew about the kinds of sins I struggle with they'd think I was a fraud." 
5. Insecurity: Afraid of looking like an idiot; of being humiliated in front of others. 
6. Insignificance: "I'm a nobody; I'm not educated enough, or important enough, attractive enough, or eloquent enough..."
7. Discouragement: "I'm too sinful to be used by God."
8. Rejection: Wanting to avoid the pain of rejection from others.
9. Inadequate: Afraid of having a past mistake or sin exposed.
10. Helplessness: Your current circumstances don't look the way you've envisioned your dream happening, and you feel powerless to make things conform to your plan (which of course you are, but that's good news not bad news!)  

One reason these feel like such significant hurdles is their potential validity. It's quite possible that if I do what God has asked me to do, I just might look like an idiot to some people (in fact I'm quite certain I have!). However, the cause of Christ must be bigger in our hearts than our own fears of pain and rejection.

The chance does exist that you're in error about what you believe God has called you to do. If you then step out in faith and obedience and do that thing; do you really believe that you serve the kind of God who would abandon you for trying to be obedient? Of course not! He loves you!

               

     My only admonition to you in pursuing your dreams and casting your fears aside is if you're trying to move forward in His will for your life alone. If you're not connected to other godly people in accountable and transparent relationships then it is wise to be fearful as you are ignoring clear biblical instructions. Let me underscore this warning again: you cannot do the big things of God without the help of others. We all need the body of Christ; the church.

               

   
 Aside from that precaution; be encouraged! Even our mistakes can be a part of His plan! If we are moving toward Him, and we make an error about His directions (and who hasn't?), He will teach you through your choices. 

So, today, I want to encourage you to examine your thoughts and share your fears not only with God, but with another safe godly person, or better yet,
     ask that person to pray with you! As you seek His kingdom in thanksgiving and praise, watch the power of God lead you through the doorways to your hearts desires.

Feeling Afraid is the "Norm" In a Living Walk with Christ

“If you open your doors Lisa, I will send the people” 

Kind of sounds like a corny line from the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams. But it wasn’t from a movie. It was a message resonating, continually in my spirit. “If you will trust Me, and open your doors, I will send you the people”. These doors He was referring to was my Life Coaching business.

Take one obedient step at a time as He calls..

Most entrepreneurs can’t wait to get their ventures afloat, however, at the time; I was insecure and fearful of failing. I argued with God (which I don't recommend) for quite a while…I reasoned (begged) that I wasn't finished with everything I wanted to accomplish; I wasn't ready. I needed more education, more wisdom, more money, more connections, more courage, more, more, more! 

Still wrestling with God, I left for a yearly conference in Nashville. One of the first speakers that week was author and coach, Dwight Bain. Dwight started his session that day with Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD you God is with you wherever you go.”

This happened to be one of the first scriptures that the Lord had given me years ago concerning my life purpose. If this wasn't enough to completely deflate my argument, Dwight’s next statement cinched it.  “If you will open your doors, Dwight encouraged, He will send you the people” Wow! Could He be any clearer?

In His infinite grace, the Lord went one step further to reassure me that He would do what He promised. Returning from the conference, although still apprehensive, I had determined in my heart to do what the Lord had asked. The following morning, I received a call from a woman that I played tennis with occasionally. She had seen something on T.V. about Life Coaching and asked if I knew of anyone who did this Life Coaching. I was stunned!

   

He sent me my very first client and from that day on, I have always had clients. Not once in all this time have I been without clients. I didn’t advertise, in fact, in the beginning, I didn’t even have an office, but through referrals and a free website I put together myself (and I knew zero about this kind of thing); I had a steady stream of clients. For those of you unfamiliar with this industry, without your own coach or business connections, this is unheard of! But He who calls is faithful.

I don’t know what He’s entreating you to do. I’m not sure what fearful step He’s put in front of you to take. But I do know this; He who asks is trustworthy.

It’s not too late. You’re not too old. It’s not too hard. There is a way, you just can’t see it. However, that’s part of the point, isn’t it? Don’t miss this valuable opportunity for a concrete encounter with His love and grace. Your transformation by God Almighty, as you trust in the voice of His Spirit, is far too priceless of a gift to let slip away.

Surrender your fears and insecurities to Him and take one obedient step toward His call. What will that step be today? Commit to Him. Ask Him for the strength and He'll show you how. 

Isaiah 34:3-4 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God…will come and save you."