Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Fear is an undeniable part of the human experience; however, it can manifest in two distinct forms. One is a healthy fear that serves to protect us, such as fearing the consequences of reckless actions like speeding or lying to a loved one. This type of fear often stems from a place of reverence and honor toward God, recognizing His authority and our position in the grand design of life.

On the other hand, we have unhealthy fears—those that lock us in a prison of anxiety and doubt. These fears often have their roots in negative life experiences and can create barriers, preventing us from fulfilling our God-given potential. Personally, I struggled with fear for years, hesitant to re-enter ministry after feeling marginalized by religious structures.

Breaking Free from Fear

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us of our calling as warriors in Christ: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” This scripture calls us to step out of our comfort zones! As believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces that seek to instill fear and hinder our calling.

The first step in breaking free from fear requires us to identify its root cause. For many, our past experiences shape our fears, often limiting our view of ourselves and our capabilities. My fear of pursuing ministry came from a betrayal I felt years ago when I needed support from those in leadership. That moment created a belief within me that I wasn’t good enough for God to use.

Eliminate Negative Thoughts and People

Proverbs 29:25 further encourages us to eliminate the negative influences in our lives: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Negative people can create a heavy atmosphere that brings us down when all we want to do is live fully for God. We must remember that we were made in His image, and we have the power to stand firm on the truth of His Word.

Distance yourself from those who constantly criticize or diminish your spirit, even if those individuals are close to you. Sometimes, loving from a distance is necessary to safeguard your mind and spirit. Surrounding yourself with positive, God-focused people will not only lift you up but also remind you of the truth of who you are in Christ.

Learning from Failure

Lastly, let’s discuss the importance of learning from our failures. Every setback or disappointment can be viewed as a stepping stone to success. In the words of John Maxwell, “Failing forward” means learning from our experiences and using them to grow. When we fall, we can rise again, learning what needs to change and moving forward in faith.
Consider the illustration of a juggler managing multiple plates. F

or a time, everything looks perfect, but behind the scenes, there are countless broken plates—a testament to practice, resilience, and perseverance. Sometimes we must experience failure to discover what works.

Conclusion

As we learn to stop living in fear and embrace our identity as mighty warriors for God, let us confront our fears, distance ourselves from negativity, and learn from our failures. Remember that God is with you, and you are not alone in this journey.

Join me as we continue our adventure in living boldly for God, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every fear can be overcome! Keep moving forward and trust in His promise to lead you!