Have you ever known in your heart that God has called you to a greater purpose? Maybe you have a talent that comes naturally and you keep getting a “feeling” telling you to dedicate that talent to Him.
Are you afraid to step out? Do you believe you aren’t qualified, don’t have time, or feel you will be taken advantage of?
What makes a person afraid to obey the calling of God?
Fear #1: “I’m not good (or holy) enough.”
Sometimes when you look at others around you, they seem to have it all together. Their executions are flawless. Their speech is inspiring. They have the right education, the right connections, and their timing is always on target. You look around and believe you can never be like them. Or maybe, you believe that even though you are a believer, you’re not “holy enough”. First things first, remember your self-worth:
Galatians 2:20 (NIV):
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
He loved you enough to give Himself for you. If that hasn’t sunk in yet, keep reading the above verse until it does. Many times people don’t answer their callings because they don’t believe they are worthy to serve.
Why try to be like someone else, when your uniqueness is special to He Who created it in you? Ask the Lord to help you develop those talents and abilities He blessed you with. I guarantee that when you do that, you will be too busy to covet the giftings of others, and you will begin to value the ones He gave you.
Romans 12:6-8 (NIV):
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Fear # 2: “Others may not understand me (approve of me, like me, appreciate me).”
We all crave acceptance. But to make a true impact on the world, there will be times when you will be rejected. Focus on pleasing the Heavenly Father and the approval of others will become less important.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) :
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Fear # 3: “I don’t have the time.”
Time is a gift from God. We must use it wisely, and using it wisely includes time spent serving and honoring Him. He will allow you the time you need for your endeavors. If we only spend the time He gives us on ourselves, we are not fulfilling His purpose in our lives.
Fear # 4: “I don’t want to be taken advantage of.”
No one wants to feel as though they are being taken for granted. But your gifts and talents belong to God. They are not to be hoarded selfishly. If you constantly keep your gifts from others out of fear, you will find that you begin to lose your proficiency in those gifts.
Romans 11:36 (NIV):
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
And the most important key to all of this is love. Do you love the lost enough to want to bring them to Christ at any cost? Do you love Christ enough to sacrifice your time, talent, or ambition just so someone else can know His love? It really boils down to that question. Because if you don’t, nothing you do in His name will be acknowledged when you stand before Him.
Answering the call to serve is a personal journey. Your fear may not be on this post. But know that if He called you, He has equipped you. It will be difficult and sometimes lonely, but He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Don’t be afraid to stand up when you are called to serve. Obey the call because He has already gifted you with the talent and the desire. Sure, there will be a season of learning and growing. You will make mistakes along the way. But He will show you favor in your obedience, and you will be a blessing to the Body of Christ because of it!
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Blessings!
Sharon
Faithfully Fit 