"Do Not Be Afraid"

"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline." ~Timothy 1:7 

I realized the question isn't "Will God Provide?" or "What's next?" but "WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF, and WHY?" After journaling and reflecting on this big question for the past 3 weeks I have come to realize just how powerful the word, FEAR, is. It takes everything you know to be true and begins planting roots of doubt and uncertainty. These doubts and uncertainties cloud your mind causing FEAR of the unknown. I'm sure everyone has experienced the "What if" questions. And these are exactly what pop up when FEAR is present; when doubt and uncertainty take over. 

Although I have graduated from college and begun my "life", I feel I am in the same place as those who are about to graduate. What's next? I am at a fork in the road. Where do I go now? Do I continue with my career choice or do I let it go and move on to something else. I find myself praying over this question day and night, but the issue isn't necessarily, 'what should I do?' but 'Do you have the courage to do it?' FEAR is in my way, holding me back from God's Plan. I completely believe and have faith in what's next, yet I find myself coming up with excuses and other options (my own plans). This is because I am afraid...Fear isn't bad unless it consumes you and prevents you from doing what you want. I have come to realize that this is not what I want, I want to defeat my fears and take a leap towards Jesus. 

Just as Peter did when Jesus told him to 'Come' when they were at sea. I, like Peter, am afraid. Will I drown? Will I sink? Is it the right choice? Will I regret it? But these are not the questions I should be thinking about. Because Jesus was right there to catch Peter. He wasn't going to let him drown or sink. Our God always Provides for us.

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE UPON: 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ~Psalm 23:4

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ~Isaiah 41:10

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. ~Exodus 14:13

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? ~Psalm 56:3-4
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Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. ~Proverbs 3:25-26

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” ~Hebrews 13:6

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ~1 John 4:18

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ~Romans 8:15 

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. ~Proverbs 29:25