Do you know how many times the bible tells us not to be afraid? 365 times. That’s enough that we could read a different verse every day of the year. But you know what? I’m afraid a lot. I struggle with fear on the regular.
I used to be afraid I wouldn’t grow and become who I really am…that I would never get to see the world…that I would never be anyone, that I will never get married.
oh and I’m pretty afraid of heights too. But I did grow up and I will keep growing up until I leave this earth. As for seeing the world. I’ve been to 25 countries and I’m 25 ….pretty good right and I jumped off a bridge that is 524 feet high in Nepal(harnessed in of course) .
I’ve conquered fears yet somehow….
I’m still afraid.
In this last few months I’ve learned a lot about fear….am I still afraid? Yes…of what? The future…what’s next…what’s going to happen.
But you know what God promises He will always be with me and He’s held up that end of the deal.
He’s never walked away.
He’s stood beside me in the darkest of moments and carried me through others.
And not to be one of those people who is always quoting famous people but even Oprah understands fear.
“The true meaning of courage is to be afraid, and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, to step out anyway—even when that step makes sense to nobody but you. I know that’s not easy. But making a bold move is the only way to truly advance toward the grandest vision that (Jesus) has for you.”
How true is that. If hadn’t been so afraid to jump off that bridge I wouldn’t have been near as proud of myself…it wouldn’t have given me the rush it did if it was no big deal.
If I hadn’t been so afraid to get in that cage in the Indian ocean I wouldn’t have felt such a rush when that great white shark thrashed our cage.
I was pretty scared to leave the states my family, my best friends and travel around the world but I did it.
So should we live in fear?
No but instead of beating myself up every time I’m scared I’m going to remember that it’s okay to be afraid. It’s what I do next that matters. I can be afraid and step in faith instead of fear.
“Do one thing every day that scares you”(Eleanor Roosevelt) that is something I am going to start doing. Does that mean i’ll be petting tigers, jumping off bridges, and jumping into cages in the ocean everyday? No but it does mean that I will be conquering one little fear every day.
But the truth is being afraid actually leads to even better things. Like conquering those fears.
The things I’m most afraid of make me better, kinder, stronger.
I was afraid to come to Thailand.
but I’ve been here a month and I’ve already seen God move in mighty ways. A couple of weeks ago a girl named A came to Emmi(the founder and director of Lighthouse in Action) and asked for help leaving the bar, as I sat there in this meeting looking at this beautiful young woman who’s life has been consumed by how much she is worth in Thai baht. I was reminded that God brought me here for a reason-to be a part of the work that He is already doing here. I’m just along for the ride.
?And just like roller coasters-some are long and some are short.
Which kind am I on? I don’t know yet.
But what I do know is that in times of fear I trust the Lord. So that’s what I’m doing right now.
a lot of trusting the Lord.
And it’s making me braver, kinder, stronger and more full of life.
We are currently trying to raise 300 USD per month to sponsor A so that she can have a job working in the Café. She already works here. I have faith that God brought her here and that the money will be committed
If you would like to sponsor her please let me know.
You can donate to her through our Lighthouse in Action paypal just follow this link : http://www.lighthouseinaction.org/get-involved/donate/
or if you would like to get a tax deduction please visit: http://wongen.us/donate/ and chose Thailand Missions in the drop down menu.
