Broken For Building

What would you do if you were not afraid? What would you do if you knew you would succeed?

About a week ago, I asked a friend to do me a favor and pick up some fabric for me so that I could work on some sewing projects. Somewhere in our conversation, I realized and confessed to her that I was not the bold seamstress I once was. You see, when I first learned how to sew I was fearless. I took on challenging projects without thinking twice. 

But over the course of time, I became a fearful coward. I lost my courage and my faith in myself. I started to look for projects labeled “easy” or “beginner” and I got stuck there. Although I enjoy sewing and get great joy from it, I grew less confident in my skills. Fear of failure gripped me and held me in its arms. 

After my recent conversation, I pondered on my confession. Was this a matter of fear or faith? Was I afraid of failing or succeeding? Or did I just not have faith in myself and/or in my ability? I came to the conclusion that it was both a matter of fear and a matter of faith (or lack thereof).

Similarly, many of us struggle with being stuck in our comfort zone because of fear and a lack of faith. Perhaps you are fearful of advancing in a current relationship, project, business venture, or pursuit of a goal. You started out the task with courage and strong faith , but as time progressed, your boldness has dwindled.  Perhaps you could have ascended to higher stages, but fear won’t let you. Fear says, you may fail. You could miss the mark or make a costly mistake. Fear says you’ve never done this before, you will fail. Or worse, it convinces you that your past successes were one time deals – trying again will lead to failure. And that’s where we are wrong, that’s where our thinking leads to our handicap.

What would you do if you were not afraid? What would you do if you knew you would succeed? Many of us would reach for the stars. We would take giant steps of faith and zealously pursue those things that God has placed in our hearts. We would jump in knowing that we will land on solid ground.

If I were not afraid, I would love with all my heart, not fearing rejection or hurt. I would be more vulnerable to those I love. I would tell more people how much I admire them. If I were not afraid, I would challenge myself and attempt more difficult sewing projects. I would even share my sewing with the world (lookout for a post just about that one of these days). What would you do if you were not afraid?

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Lord, help me to recognize those areas where I’ve settled for “good enough” due to my fears. You will not forsake me. I will not fail. Even if things don’t go as I have planned, I will  have learned valuable lessons in the process.