Be Very Afraid? Sample

By Danielle Windom

Remember career day as a kid? Firefighters, policemen, and nurses would talk about their jobs. Then the teacher would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” 

I always knew my answer. I had high-heeled dreams of being a career woman with a big office. One year after my college graduation, I was living the dream (except in a cubicle, not an office). 

But there was a hole in my heart. 

God was calling me somewhere new, so I prayed he would open the door. I prayed for months and then, “out of the blue,” the perfect opportunity arrived.

I was terrified. How could my hopes and dreams change? What if I was wrong? Or worse, what if I failed? 

God was very clear in his call though. He kept saying, “Come." So, like Peter, I stepped out of the boat and headed for the interview. 

But I got scared when the winds picked up. This perfect opportunity meant financial change (a significant pay cut). The faith and trust I had were slipping away, and I was terrified of the uncertainties. 

It's that second step in our faith that's the scariest. We’re out of the boat and the reality of our risk-taking sets in. The truth is, worldly consequences arise when we choose to be obedient to God. It’s easier to turn around, but it's worth it to keep walking. 

Fast forward a bit. I was astonished by God’s faithfulness. He took care of my finances in miraculous ways. The pieces were aligning.

I felt a tug at my heart: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

Things get windy and we become fearful, but it’s worth it to keep going. When God is faithful to bring us to a new opportunity, he’ll be faithful to bring us through it. 

Questions for Reflection: 

· Have you prayed for something and then felt too afraid to take the second step when it finally arrived? 

· Do you believe it's worth it to take the next step when life feels risky? Or do you allow the potential worldly consequences to keep you where you are?