Fear? NOT!

I can recall talking to God and asking Him to direct my path. “Order my steps, Lord,” I would repeat. I was willing to do whatever He asked of me. Initially, I was hyped when His answer was finally starting that blog. Okay! I get it! I used to write years ago, and it’s been a passion of mine since childhood. I almost started blogging a few years ago. The content would be nothing like this, though. I was excited about the possibilities and the opportunity to share. Lord, where do I begin?

Fast forward a couple of months. I’d done my research. I had outlined a plan that was waiting to be executed. Yet, I still hadn’t started this blog. I hadn’t written a single thing. It’s not that I didn’t have the know-how or even the motivation. God even blessed me with the materials that I needed so there would be no excuses. I realized that the fact that I was hesitant to start boiled down to one factor – fear. Of course, there were a few negative “what ifs” that would creep into my mind just long enough for me to put it off one more day. What if I’m not any good? What if I can’t find the time to dedicate to writing? What if I create a post and not a soul reads it?

Come on, Jakeetta! God doesn’t give the spirit of fear. I had to realize that lots of people have moments of doubt early on. I mean, we have all heard about Moses being told to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses was like, “First of all, I don’t know you like that for you to ask such a thing of me.” Just kidding. He didn’t say that. He did, however, ask what if the people don’t believe him or even listen to him? He wondered if he was even qualified to deliver such a message when speaking was not his forte. Exodus chapters 3-4 show how even Moses who was in the presence of a whole burning bush had to be reassured more than once in order to proceed with faith and confidence. See, the unknown can be a scary place to journey to. I knew that the task at hand was much too important to continue to put off as a result of fear. I needed to be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6 told me that my God will never leave me nor abandon me. Therefore, I really had to put my trust in the Lord and understand that fear is a human emotion that can not coexist with faith. It’s one or the other. I had to flip the switch off on all doubts and fears.

I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help your wherever you go.  ~ Joshua 1:9

I decided that the irony would be to actually write about the reservations I had concerning starting a blog. So yes, this is sort of an “in your face” post to fear.  Now that this hurdle is out of way, I can focus on the rest of the content that God has placed it on my heart to share. This is only the beginning. I used to ask God to give me the words to say on the phone as a bill collector. I was blessed in that He always did. How much more effective are the words He will give me to be a blessing and inspiration to His children? I pray that a light will shine so bright through my words that others will find love, hope, peace, joy and comfort. Most of all, I hope that God gets all of the glory.