Fear - Don't Let It Get the Final Say

As a young adult you have  probably had people say to you things like, "These are supposed to be the best years of your life." But for many people, these years can feel more overwhelming and scary than exciting and "the best" years of your life.

You're trying to figure out your career, relationships, finances, purpose, and even possibly faith—all while comparing yourself to everyone else's highlight reel on various social media platforms. It's no wonder fear can start to feel like a constant companion.

Fear whispers questions like:

• What if I fail?

• What if I choose the wrong path?

• What if I'm not enough?

• What if they reject me or dont like me?

• What if God doesn't have a plan for me?

• What if God is not real?

The truth is, fear isn't new. Every generation before you has faced it. The question that must be asked is, "Do we allow fear to control us or choose to trust God with the process?".

One of the most powerful quotes on fear comes from one of my favorite authors, Corrie ten Boom. She was a woman who endured unimaginable suffering during World War II and must have been over taken by fear many times. She says,

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

Think about that for a moment. We know that the God of the bible is faithful and kind. We know His character by reading his Word. Because we can know Him, we can trust Him with the unknown.

None of us know what tomorrow holds. We don't know which opportunities will come, which doors will close, or what challenges we'll face. But if we know the One who holds tomorrow, we don't have to be paralyzed by uncertainty.

Many people think courageous people never feel afraid. That's simply not true.

Another one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis wrote:

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."

Courage isn't pretending everything is okay. Soemtimes it doesnt feel ok, but courage chooses to keep moving forward even when you're scared.

Faith often looks like taking one small step when you can't see the entire staircase. While taking the next step feels scary, trusting that the step will be there is exactly what courage is.

One of the biggest misconceptions about following Jesus is that life becomes easy.

It doesn't.

Jesus never promised a life without storms. He promised His presence in the middle of them.

That's why verses like these continue to encourage believers today:

Isaiah 41:10 — "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."

Joshua 1:9 — "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Notice the pattern.

God doesn't simply say, "Don't be afraid."

He tells us why.

Because He is with us.

Stop choosing to live by Fear

"Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will." ~ Max Lucado

Our minds are constantly being fed by noise. If we spend hours consuming negative news, comparing ourselves online, or replaying our worst-case scenarios, fear grows louder. But when we spend time in God's Word, pray honestly, worship, and surround ourselves with people who encourage our faith, our perspective begins to change. Fear may still knock on the door, but it doesn't have to move in.

Maybe you're afraid of starting college. Maybe you're graduating and have no idea what's next. Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, loneliness, disappointment, or wondering if you'll ever discover your purpose. You're not the first person to wrestle with those questions, and you won't be the last.

The real struggle is recognizing the lies that keep you feeling isolated living a life based in fear. You do not have to be brave alone.

The remedy to fear is two fold. 

First, having a relationship with Jesus that leads to faith in Him.While faith isn't about having every answer, It's about trusting God enough to take the next faithful step.

Second, practice taking the next step, flexing that bravery muscle, as you break free from fear. The more you allow fear to make your discisions, the greater hold it will have on your life. The more you go against fear, the stronger that bravery muscle gets, allowing you to walk courageously into your future....into the unknown.

The future may feel uncertain, but your identity doesn't have to be. You are a wonderfully made creation, by the Creator of all the universe, created for His good purpose. You are Gods really good idea, and fear has no power over you.

Always remember,

You are loved.

You are seen.

You are known by God.

And while fear may show up from time to time, it doesn't get the final say.

Trust does.

Because when your future is in God's hands, you can move forward with confidence—even when you don't know what tomorrow holds.