So many people go through their lives without ever taking a risk for something they are passionate about or believed in. Why? Because they are so deathly afraid. The reason being that people do not try anything new is because they may not even know what they are afraid of and why. They do not know how to tackle their fears to follow their mission.

To learn more about uncovering your purpose & mission, you got to check this post we wrote together!

This has such a crippling effect on the lives around us. Some people are okay staying within what they have always known, so they never have to risk anything that will hurt them. But, in the end of your life, you will not say to yourself, “I am happy I always stayed within my comfort zone, never followed after my mission, and listened to my fears.” No, I think the opposite will happen that you will regret never taking a risk.

Real-Time Example

Here is an example. Right now, David and I are wanting to start a podcast. It has been planted in our hearts long before we started the blog. But, I will be honest. It is scary because we both do not know what we are doing. The recording, audio editing, podcast hosting, publishing, RSS feed, scheduling episodes, and adding show-notes all seem very overwhelming when trying to learn it all. 

David and I feel way out of our realm of expertise. I do not like speaking at all, let alone like the sound of my own voice. David is very talented with speaking and getting his point across. But, me? I have to write down and prepare myself for HOURS before I even feel comfortable speaking. Did I mention I dreaded going to my public speaking class in college? But, we are doing it afraid. How? By tackling our fears head-on and moving forward with God on our side with open hearts and minds.

But know this: you have to first identify your fears before you can tackle it down.

I’ve noticed that when I am afraid to do something out of my comfort zone, it is because I do not know exactly what and why I am afraid.

When you get to the root of why you are afraid, this is when you can tackle that fear, replace the lies that fear is feeding you with God’s truth, and be able to move forward. 

What does God say about fear?

He stated, “Do not be afraid” numerous times throughout the Bible. There is something significant and not at all coincidental about God repeating this phrase over and over again.

I do not think God was saying this to get rid of fears because they are only human and are not perfect; however, I do think God was trying to show us that we can trust in Him and run to Him. 

David and I were studying the first chapter of Joshua this past week, and I am so happy that we got to dive deeper into this book in time of writing this blog post. 

“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go..Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:5-7,9 ESV

God tells Joshua what he is called to do soon after Moses’ death. I am sure as God was saying this, all these crazy thoughts started racing through Joshua’s head,

“Am I even qualified for this?” “Moses was better at this, but he is dead.” “What are the people going to think?” “I am going to fail before I start.” “What is going to happen next?” “I do not want to stand out, I am meant to be behind-the-scenes, hidden.”

God already stated out what Joshua needed to hear: “Be strong and courageous.” THREE times. Wherever Joshua was going to go even if it was unknown, God reassured him that He was going to be with him, never leaving or forsaking him. God eased his fears, so that Joshua can learn to trust Him, listen for His Word and guidance, and follow in God’s mission for him.

What are your fears that keep you from pursuing your passions?

Here are a few that I think may resonate with you:

Anxiety, fear of the unknown, what others might think, not being perfect, standing out or putting yourself out there, feeling unqualified, lack of experience or expertise, and failure. These are all ways that can hold us back from pursuing our passions or dreams in life. 

I went on Instagram and did three different polls. I asked the same question,

“What are you most afraid of in following after your mission or dream?”

I did three different polls, fear of the unknown or feeling unqualified, not being perfect or what people will think, and failure or standing out. More people chose “feeling unqualified”, “not being perfect”, and the most response I got out of all of them was “failure”.

Anytime you feel unqualified, not perfect, or will fail before you try, know this (hear me out)… 

• You might still feel unqualified. However, you are learning everything you can about a particular skill you are passionate about so you do not feel that way anymore. 

• You might not be perfect. However, you are giving yourself grace by fully embracing the imperfections and mistakes that comes with trying something new. 

• You might fail. However, you understood the meaning of failure and if you fail at one thing, you know that you yourself are not a true failure. It means you have to try something else that will work next time or discover your newfound passion or dream you did not realize before.

I know, it’s crazy. I completely just titled the post “How to Finally Tackle Your Fears to Follow Your Mission” and you are asking, “Where is the tackling part?”. Well, I will show you through God’s Word.

When you replace or shut down the fears’ lies with God’s Word, you begin to see your life in a simple, eternal perspective.

For anxiety or fear of the unknown: 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

 

“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.”

Isaiah 26:3 MSG

 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Take it to God, pray to Him how you are feeling, and receive His wisdom. God already knows your future, and He wants you to trust Him with your future even if it is unknown. You do not have to be anxious and know every single step of your life. Even if you do not know what the outcome will be, God is right next to you in the midst of it all. Be strong and courageous to move forward.

For fear of what other people might think:

“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

 

“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19

 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

We are not meant to be pleasing the people around us, but we are meant to please God and His mission for us. Even if people do not understand what you are doing. Even if your old fun “friends” from high school do not approve or like what you are doing.

Believe in yourself because God already believe in you. Transform in the light of His Word and His presence, and if that means you might have to find new, like-minded people to enjoy life with, you can do it. Be strong and courageous to move forward.

For fear of not being perfect:

“I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.” Psalms 119:96

 

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

 

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7 ESV

We are not perfect people; we are human beings with real stories, pasts, and differences. When you embrace your imperfections and weaknesses, God can do miracles because you are giving Him the glory and allowing Him to work through you. Be strong and courageous to move forward.

For putting yourself out there or feeling unqualified or inexperienced:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16 ESV

 

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

 

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 ESV

 

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 ESV

God called you and chose you to pursue your passions and dreams. It is okay to put yourself out there because God, the creator of everything, has your back. If you feel like you are too young (or too old) to be following in your mission, remember that God is never done with you. 

However, I will say this, you alone have the choice to not have to stay “feeling unqualified”. Because if you learn and practice taking photos, make a website, build your brand and following on social media, take up art or graphic design, play an instrument, sing, and write, chances are you will improve and get better at it. 

There is a fine balance of feeling “unqualified” in the midst of the major competition and not doing anything to improve yourself to stand out as a light among the sea of gray. Just go out and try it out. Be strong and courageous to move forward.

For fear of failure:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

 

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 ESV

 

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 ESV

 

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Psalms 118:6 ESV

First of all, it’s okay if you fail. I once started a blog years ago…then I killed it because I was afraid to keep going. After that, I felt like a failure because I had quit. But, I know now it was a learning experience that God has appointed for me because He knew what my future held…That I would marry David Bond. God planted a mission in both of our hearts, starting The Simple Mission. All that I had learned from my previous failure actually benefited me in the long run. 

Learn from your failures. But, you won’t learn from your failures and mistakes if you never take the risk to go after your passion or dream in life. God has you right where He needs you, but He also wants you to take a leap of faith and trust Him during your pursuit of the mission. And this is how you tackle your fears…by still doing it afraid. Be strong and courageous to move forward.

RECAP

1. Identify what and why you are afraid.

2. Tackle your fear and its lies with God’s Word

3. Do it afraid and follow your mission.

Thank you for reading,

Lianna Bond

Co-founder of The Simple Mission