So many of us aren’t moving forward in our lives because we are being hindered by fear. Fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of _____. You fill in the blank.
MAKE A DECISION TO FACE THE FEAR Whatever the fear that is holding you back, you must decide today that you are going to break out of its deadly clutches and to push through it. PUSH THROUGH THE FEAR The way to defeat fear is to face it, to push through it. When you push through the fear and then look back at it later, you will see that it really had no power over you other than that which you assigned it. FEAR MUST BE EVICTED Here’s another secret, fear will never just leave on its own. No, if you are waiting for fear to leave before you take action on a dream or a desire, you can forget it. Fear doesn’t just leave; it must be kicked out. I’m reminded of a situation that took place at my home church in Atlanta. I serve at the Welcome Center. We are there to assist first time visitors in getting acclimated to the facility (which is quite large) and helping them to feel comfortable so that they can enjoy their worship. One Sunday I met a young lady, let’s call her Tiffany (that’s not her real name). Tiffany approached the First Time Visitors table, with a smile. As I escorted toward the sanctuary, we chatted. She shared that she lives about 20 miles from the church, and she had wanted to attend the church for many years. As we got closer to entering the sanctuary, I noticed that she was becoming a little tense. We entered the sanctuary and she stopped. She said that she doesn't like crowds and that they trigger in her anxiety attacks. She was frozen in place and began to become more agitated. I could see the struggle raging with her. I stopped and embraced her, she was shaking and about to cry. I allowed her to calm down. Instinctively, I knew that her coming to church that day was her making a statement to this fear. She was fighting back. She had made a decision to push through it and take back her life. I asked her if it would be better for her to sit in the back. She agreed. I saw one of the ushers who wasn’t serving that day and asked if she wouldn't mind fellowshipping with Tiffany. The usher agreed and Tiffany seemed to be pleased. Throughout the service, I would peak in and check on Tiffany, she seemed to be enjoying the worship. Victory! After service, I saw Tiffany approaching the Welcome Center, I came out from around the table to greet her. She gave me such a warm hug, expressed her gratitude, and said she had a wonderful time. We were both teary eye. I invited her to come back any time she desired. She said she would and waved goodbye. However, before we had closed down the table, Tiffany showed back up with her 3 year old son. She said, "I wanted to introduce him to you." How precious is that? I was overwhelmed at the love of God and felt truly honored that he had allowed me to participate in the experience of one of his children overcoming a stronghold. TRIUMPHANT TIFFANY But even as wonderful as that testimony was, it didn't end there. The next Sunday, Tiffany showed back up, this time she not only brought her son, but also her daughter. When she walked into the church, she had the most beautiful smile on her face. She walked confidently up to me and gave me the same big warm hug as she did the previous week. After greeting her children, I asked her if she wanted me to assist her with finding a seat. She replied, "No, I got it!" She smiled at me as she took her children by the hand and walked them into the sanctuary. I watched her walk away, she looked so strong and confident. Wow God! I was overwhelmed. I actually had to take a quick break to get myself together, as tears of joy, just began streaming down my face. Even as I write this, I feel that same sense of pride in Tiffany as I did that day. Who knows how long she had been held captive by that fear? But that day, she had faced that fear and kicked it out. I felt as if I was watching her walk boldly into her future. Whatever it is that you might be facing that is holding you back, I hope this story of Tiffany’s triumph will encourage you to face your fears too. Don’t allow anything to stop you from living the life God has designed for you to enjoy. Tiffany had determined that day not to let that fear keep her from doing something that she had wanted to experience for years. I feel really honored that God called on me to help support her and to hold her up when she became weary. But it was Tiffany’s determination and God’s help that truly gave her the victory! Contributor: Sherrie Massie
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