Every Thursday I feature a “throwback” post from my blog archive. The goal is to look back and discover new lessons or opportunities to grow. This week, we’ll look at “Roar” You can view the original post here. For today, here’s a quick recap and a few more thoughts about how we can respond to fear¹.

I love how scripture has a way of finding you when you need it. The original post, “Roar,” is a post about confidence and boldness when pursuing your dreams and purpose. I know I talk about this subject a lot², but that is because I struggle with it regularly. As often as I encourage someone on this subject, whether through this blog, my book or my podcast, I need this encouragement as well. Here’s an example.

I recently got asked to help write a text book for a children’s ministry class with a collection of authors. Sounds awesome right? I agree. That is until my brain jumps in and starts messing things up. It always has these deep questions that it holds back until just the right moment when it knows that one well-placed missile will bring my confidence crashing down faster than a wobbling Jenga tower. In this particular scenario, those questions were, “Who do you think you are?” “What makes you believe you can teach something of value?” “Have you seen that list of contributors?” “What have you done compared to them?” “What makes you think anyone would read what you write?” “You don’t belong!” Ok, that last one wasn’t a question but you can see how my inner voice got there right?

My first thought, give up. Withdraw my name from the list and wish the rest of the team the best of luck. Admit that I am out of my depth and move on to something more comfortable. But then, I read “Roar,” and some key truths came flooding back. I hope these truths will help you when you feel like you don’t belong.

1. God equips those whom He calls.

If the Lord gives you a mission, He’s also going to provide the tools for the job. He will give you everything you need if you stick close to Him. He’ll bring you the right people, the right education, the right opportunities, and the confidence to get the job done. Paul tells us in the book of Philippians that “…God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19, NIV). He speaks to this again in Ephesians when he says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10, NIV). And finally, we see this truth on full display in the lives of the Apostles. Acts 4:13 tells us that they were ordinary men who had been with Jesus. If we want to pursue our calling and big dreams, we simply need to be with Jesus, go where He leads us, and let Him take care of the rest.

When’s the last time you have focused on simply being with Jesus?

2. Nothing beats doubt faster than results.

As I struggled with these questions of ability and belonging, I began to combat them with related wins. I believe I can teach because I have done it. I have taught in churches, at camps, and recently at a conference for kids pastors. I believe people will read what I write because people regularly read what I write. I have been published in magazines, online, and written a book that some of you have bought. The point I am trying to make here is that our fears maximize our mistakes and minimize our successes. We have to flip this if we’re going to pursue our purpose. We have to speak life to ourselves and actively remember the moments along the way that have prepared us for the moment we’re in. When we feel ill-equipped for the task before us, it’s likely that we’re letting fear cast a shadow over the steps that brought us here. When fear or doubt tells you that you’re not ready, simply look back and recognize the building blocks that have paved the way and boldly move forward.

What past successes can you use to combat these questions?

3. Fear is loud, but Community is Louder.

Doubt and fear can be pretty loud in general, but they are deafening when we are alone. Time and time again throughout scripture, we are reminded of the importance of community and togetherness. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes,

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccl. 4:9-12, NIV)

We need people around us who can speak truth and speak it loudly. We need trusted friends who won’t let us give up, who won’t let us believe the lies of fear, and who will lift us up when we are down.

Who do you have in your life that will speak truth over those fears?

Next time you feel like you should shrink back from your calling, remember you’ve been equipped and prepared by your creator, you’ve been working your way toward this moment, and there are people in your corner cheering you on. Step up, step in, and give it all you’ve got. You were made for this.

¹ It seems that I have been talking about fear a lot lately. Maybe its just for me, but maybe its bigger than that. If you are struggling with fear, check out this podcast episode from me and my friend Esther.

² I actually wrote a whole book about this subject. You should check it out!