For God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. — 2 Timothy 1:7, NLT
I have bumped into this Scripture reference from 2 Timothy more than five times within the last twenty-four hours. From Facebook posts to Instagram stories, to emails, to websites when searching for topics having absolutely nothing to do with this verse. There it is, staring me in the face at every press of a button. Hmm… maybe I should pay attention to just why it keeps popping up over and over again.
Although I do not typically think of myself as a fearful person, I began to contemplate how this verse may apply to my personal life at this moment in time. A scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark immediately came to mind. Indiana Jones, the hero of the movie, is basically a fearless fellow — except when it comes to snakes. (Since this is a struggle with which I can wholeheartedly commiserate, I’m willing to give him a break). In this particular scene, Jones discovers the opening to the Well of Souls. Peering down into its depths, he finds the floor literally crawling with thousands of snakes, to which he exclaims, “Snakes. . . why’d it have to be snakes?”
In my recent mission to restart a blog, I could exchange Indiana’s shuddering frustration with the question, “Computers. . . why’d it have to be computers?”
Of all the things that could stand between me and my goals, overcoming my lack of computer finesse seems daunting. Sometimes even downright terrifying as I imagine the frenzy to come when I hit the wrong button and irrevocably shut down the entire global internet system. That fear, although completely irrational, still immobilizes me. The fear that I may get myself into a situation beyond my capabilities to correct can stop me from even attempting a small stroke across the keyboard. Instead of operating in a confidence that is mine through the Holy Spirit, I shrink back in timidity.
Thankfully, God does not allow me to stay settled in my fears forever. He consistently prods me, stirring those desires He has placed in my heart until I start toying with the thought, “What if . . . ?”
What if I just sit down and start dabbling a little in the thing that brings me fulfillment, even if it seems a bit scary? What if I don’t have to have the whole scenario completed (if only in my mind) before I take a step forward? What if I simply begin today even if I feel ill-prepared or unequipped for the technological challenges before me?
Restarting this blog has been a ridiculously long journey because of my lack of confidence regarding all things computer. My inadequacy in this area has held me captive from releasing it into the public realm. So much so that I honestly believe God used what I mistakenly thought was a premature published “post and link” on an old blog site to force me to hit “publish” on this new site. Only after I had launched the new did I discover my timely “non-error.” By then, things were already out there in cyberspace. There was no turning back.
I can’t help but laugh at Father’s audacity to continually push me into the deep waters of the unknown when I’ve contented myself to simply splash in the shallows of my comfort zone. Though I may gasp and sputter in protest, once I’m assured of Father’s presence, I admit to actually liking the buoyancy that comes when I’m floating in the waves. As soon as I stop fighting against it, that is.
There is a lightness in trading our fears for Father’s presence and power, even when we know we are in over our heads.
When it comes to computer technology, I’m sunk on my own. But I cannot allow my weaknesses to paralyze my strengths. Nor do I desire my timidity or perpetual second-guessing to keep me from jumping into the deep when God is calling me there. By magnifying my fear, I inadvertently minimize God’s capability in my life. But if I turn my focus heavenward and magnify God above all else, the opposition shrinks before me. His peace and power persuade my perspective into a proper position. Instead of seeing the computer as the enemy keeping me from achieving my goals, what if I view it as an opportunity to help reach them? Otherwise, I may never attempt anything.
It’s crazy to think the very thing I’m afraid of may be the pathway God uses to make my desires become a reality. My task now is to overcome my timidity enough to entrust my fears to a faithful Father who overcomes on my behalf. Even if I fail a few times along the journey (as I most certainly will).
I know this analogy may seem like a small thing in light of the massive problems of humanity as a whole, but perhaps that’s the very reason I needed to experience it for myself. To look at it and write it down. Because even the small, seemingly insignificant struggles I have on the daily do not go unnoticed by Father. He sees it all. And He cares about it all — from the horrific and tragic global situations facing the masses to the fear of one single soul struggling to move beyond an obstacle.
Friends, opportunities await us — plans purposed by divine hand — but they will never come to pass if we refuse to move forward today.
Small steps matter.
As do small desires.
I encourage you to give voice to those dreams that have been resonating within your heart and begin to move toward living them out. It’s scary stepping out of a comfort zone. It’s even more terrifying when you are stepping into an area that is well beyond the limits of your expertise.
But step anyway.
Even if you have to wade through a few snakes to get there.
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FOR REFLECTION
What about you? Are you struggling to follow the destiny stretching before you because you have some scary “snakes” in your way? How has that fear kept you from attempting new or difficult things?
Have you ever considered that you may be allowing a weakness to paralyze your strengths? What does that look like in your life?
Are you hesitant to believe God will be there to help you overcome the obstacles before you? What will it take to shift your perspective?
What would happen if you tried and failed? Would that failure really be as devastating as you fear?
What would happen if you succeeded? How would that impact your life and the lives of others?
Don’t allow your version of snakes to keep you from moving toward a desire God has placed in you. A lot can happen in the course of a few footfalls, and a lot of snakes will be destroyed along the way. Trust Father to take them out as you pick up your foot and place it down in the power and love that is yours in Christ.
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments section of this blog. I would love to hear from you!