Last week we discussed how the phrase, “Do not be afraid” appears in the Bible more than any other command. We also explored how fear is the main culprit in delaying our obedience. As I’ve examined my own heart and why I’m slow to obey, this example comes to mind.

My Story of Delayed Obedience

I’ve shared here before how several years ago God told me He wanted me to write a book. I was in the thick of the baby years and the next right step was starting this blog. Over the years, I’ve become more consistent in my writing. Last year I joined an online, Christian writing community. Each step has been an act of faith towards God’s calling to write a book.

Over the past year, I’ve found myself avoiding any information about book proposals, author agents and publishing deals. Everything in me was saying, “You’re not ready. You don’t have enough readers. You don’t even have a clear message or theme for a book idea.”

The more I think about why I’m having those thoughts, I realize it does come down to fear. I’m afraid of the amount of time and work I’ll have to spend researching book proposals, building an audience, writing and editing. I’m afraid of the cost, how much time I’ll spend on the entire process instead of with my family or meeting their needs. I’m afraid of failure and rejection. What if I do all this work, make all these sacrifices, and no publisher wants my writing or I do get published and no one reads my book?

Moment of Truth

Then in my church Bible study we were reading Priscilla Shirer’s study Elijah and she writes, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” Do I really believe God wants to use me to write a book? Then I need to act like it.

Within the week I was confronted with a decision that would challenge my faith on this very topic. I was approached by a friend to take on a major volunteer role. The request to serve in this way felt like a huge honor and a wonderful way to build deeper friendships and connections with some women whose company I really enjoy. It would also require a large portion of my free time.

I knew that saying yes to this opportunity would be saying no to other things (see my previous writing on this very topic). In this case, saying yes would likely result in saying no to time I would need to spend writing.

With a very nervous heart, I called my friend to tell her I couldn’t fill the volunteer position. Looking back on my decision I know I was afraid. Afraid that saying no would alienate my friend and that I’d miss an opportunity to grow deeper friendships, something I had been praying for. Superficially, I was also afraid of missed opportunities of being more well known in certain circles and the perks that come with it.

Instead of allowing my fears to dictate my decisions, I chose to trust God. To walk by faith believing that He has called me to be a writer and that He will honor the sacrifices and decisions I’m making to ensure I’m prioritizing His calling on my life.

What Now?

So, now we know we aren’t supposed to be afraid. But how do we combat our fears? Faith.

Just like Priscilla Shirer said, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” I must walk by faith, taking my next right step, even when I’m afraid. When I feel fear creeping into my thoughts and emotions, I’ll combat my fear with scriptures and prayer. I will walk by faith knowing that God is for me, guiding my path, holding my hand every step of the way.

Here are some verses on fear that I’ve found helpful, maybe you will too.

• Deuteronomy 31:6 “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.”
• Psalm 34:4-5 “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
• Psalm 56:3–4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
• Matthew 10:29-31 “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 “…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”