It’s OK to Dream Scared

okay-to-dream-scared

It’s OK to Dream Scared

[Editor’s Note: Please welcome back Devotional Diva founder Renee Fisher for this guest post! Thanks, Renee! ]

We are supposed to be afraid when we walk on water—when we are learning how to be bold and courageous. That’s why we walk by faith and not by feelings alone. If you currently find yourself in transition, here are a few quotes from interviews I gathered from a survey that encouraged me.

I hope they encourage you as well.

Laura answered, “Reading through the Psalms always brings me comfort during transition; they’re a good reminder that it’s okay to feel confused and frustrated about what is happening in life.”

Francine answered, “It’s scary to be lonely and disregarded by others when status and recognition have been a part of my identity. I think the biggest fear of aging and poverty is feeling that no one cares. It’s kind of the core fear of all of reality, at any age, and in any transition.”

Melissa answered, “I made a bold step by resigning at work, something I never have thought I could do. I am excited that God has plans for me out of the previous environment. I am afraid of never getting a job again, and I’m also stepping out into the unknown.”

Allison answered, “A lot of people abort their calling in the transitional season. I’m most afraid that I won’t fulfill the call God has put on my life, and that I’ll halt His purposes in my life, and that I’ll become stuck forever and settle for less than I was made to live for.”

Alyx answered, I move forward by taking steps in one direction through faith. I just go for it— Nike style.

What about you?

I wonder how long you have been struggling to get into a good place whether in your job or relationship or personal healing? Every time you come close to moving forward, something or someone sabotages your chances to receive God’s healing.

Maybe it’s a co-worker.
Maybe it’s your bank account (or lack thereof).
Maybe it’s a family member.
Or maybe it’s your own excuses (ouch!).

Maybe you’re afraid. Maybe like me—you suffer with anxiety or depression, which makes it increasingly difficult to be bold and courageous. I want you to know one thing:

It’s okay to dream scared. Deuteronomy 31:6 #DreamDefender

The good news is that Jesus’ invitation of love replenishes our divine portion of bold courage. So divine that it’s miraculous.

He is our hope.
He is the reason we have bold courage.

Maybe there is an area of your life that is hindering you from moving forward in bold courage. I recently read this verse that encouraged me in this season:

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT).

I know I’ve read that verse before, but I the second part popped out at me. I think it’s because I’ve read the part in Joshua Chapter 1 that says to be bold and courageous. Over and over it says to be bold and courageous. It honestly makes me wonder if God is a drill instructor.

But He’s not.

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,
“Yahweh! The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6, NLT).

God was with us when we left California for Texas, and He will transition us out of Houston in His timing. My prayer for you that He leads you to the right dream at the right time. Because I know that boldness and courage are just half of the equation—our hearts can rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

One thing I know for sure is that God has already gone before me.

Today. Be bold and courageous. Let’s ask God to help us take responsibility. To be found faithful even when it hurts. When we can’t feel His presence or loving arms. Don’t wait until you think you have it all figured out. Obey now.

Ask God to command your fears—whatever they are.
Give God your doubts and self-sufficient tendencies.
Don’t delay because your future is waiting.

Renee FisherRenee Fisher is a spirited speaker, coach, consultant and author, who published her first eight books in under eight years. A self-proclaimed “Dream Defender,” Renee is passionate about calling dreams to life in others. A graduate of Biola University, she lives in Houston, Texas with her handsome husband and their fur child named “Star.”