Tag: Fear

The Unknown

How often do we think about our potential, then step back from achieving it because we fear the unknown?

Esmeralda Santiago asks the question, “How can you know what you are capable of if you don’t embrace the unknown?”

Several variables play into the unknown. We develop scenarios, usually focused on the negative or that create a defeatist mindset.

What can we do to face the unknown and enjoy the possibilities?

1. Remember, reaching our potential requires a level of risk.
2. Even if we fail, failure is not fatal.
3. Start small and gradually venture into additional unknown areas.

Just taking a a step or two can move us in the right direction.

Why?

Children ask many questions, specifically “Why?”. Children want to know the reasons behind what we say and do.

This question is also applicable when thinking about leadership.

Why are leaders needed?
Why do we need to make this decision?
Why are we making this decision at this time?
Why should “I” lead?
Why?

Take a moment to look through the gospel accounts and consider how to answer the questions Jesus asks, starting here.

Why are you worried?
Why are you afraid?
Why are you testing Me?
Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?

Think about it!

Courage

Courage is a choice made in the moment it is needed.

We could talk about areas that create fear and the fallout from it. We could also examine a number of ways to overcome fear.

We know the value of healthy fear when danger can inflect harm.

What really enables us to overcome the battles and storms of life that seem to intimidate and discourage us? What empowers us to overcome the insecurities, doubt, and distractions that prevent the choice of courage?

Through it all, one powerful thought is needed for leaders. God is with us and He is for us. Read Romans 8:31-39.

Change

A few key facts about change.

First, we generally fear change. The older we get the more we dislike change.

Second, not all change is bad. Sometimes change is good.

Third, change is biblical. Repentance means change.

Fourth, change is part of growth.

Where we need to focus is on changing ourselves. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 7:1-5. Most of the world knows verse one, but the idea is we need to look at ourselves and make the needed changes before attempting to help others change.

Finding Answers

When I observe my children and grandchildren, I understand the idea of looking for and awaiting answers related to trials experienced in life.

Fear, anxiety, and frustration can take control quickly. How can we eliminate these concerns and find the needed answers during such times?

Where do leaders go to find answers when adversity occurs, questions arise?

Leadership involves providing guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and knowing how to give answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety and frustration. Where can a leader go to find the answers?

Pray.
Listen to God’s word.
Seek counsel.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes.
Never miss the opportunity to grow.

Change

Why does the idea of “change” create such fear on the part of so many people? One possible answer is the idea that change brings something negative or bad. Change is also associated with introducing liberalism.

Change, however, can be a positive, powerful, and necessary approach to growth. Mandy Hale says, “Change can be scary, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing.”

Change is biblical; we call it repentance. It still means change.

Our fear of change must not stifle us from achieving all that God can do through us if we will but change.

Procrastination

Procrastination can be one of the most destructive traits in anyone’s life, especially leaders.

It might not be a problem if the decision is inconsequential. If, however, the decision carries consequential value, then procrastinating can be devastating.

Why do people procrastinate?

1) Fear of making the wrong decision
2) Lack of adequate information
3) Not a priority to the decision maker(s)
4) Need for 100% agreement
5) Comfortable with the status quo

There are more, but the results are the same.

When procrastination appears to be a common approach, confidence in leadership wanes and apathy results. Why care about anything if making a decision takes too long?

Fear and the Leader

Fear of the unknown can be challenging.

The task for spiritual leaders is to remove the unknowns for others. When considering death, there is a fear related to the
process of dying and what happens at death, the unknown.

Scripture teaches us the body will return to the dust, but the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the fear of death has been removed. The unknown has now been made known.

We can provide no greater confidence to others than sharing this hope. Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Fighting Fear

Zig Ziglar once said, “F-E-A-R has two meanings: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.”

How do we channel fear in ways that harness its power to move us to rise instead of run?

1. Recognize what we fear. Are we afraid of failure or success, rejection or acceptance?
2. Have the right expectations. Expectations can create a fear of falling short or being overwhelmed.
3. Seek healthy communication. Talk with someone who can help guide us in overcoming it.
4. Remember God is our ally. Knowing who God is and that He fights for us, minimizes fear.

Growing Beyond Fear

What do you fear the most? Failure? Success? Death? Life? Illness? Health? Laziness? Work? Rejection? Acceptance? Loss? Public speaking?

We could focus on what we fear and why we fear it. Our purpose, however, is not to acknowledge our fears, but consider the growth potential beyond those fears.

Robert Tew informs us, “Until you see fear as an opportunity for growth, you won’t grow beyond your current self.”

Perspective of fear in light of biblical teaching aids us in developing the right focus on approaching those fears.

Here we find a starting point to grow beyond our fears.