We all wrestle from fear of judgments, rejections, and failures- we all have this monster inside our cabinets screaming, "You're not good enough and you won't measure up." But I hope your passion and purpose are louder than this voice. Stop waiting to feel ready, stop waiting for the right time, stop waiting for validations from everyone, and stop waiting to gain confidence or to have more experiences. Just do it anyway, hit the publish button, shut your fears and doubts, and liberate yourself. Whatever fears and doubts rhyming in your beats won't produce good rhythm and melody in your life, go for it- just do it anyway. Wayne Gretzky quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Here’s the thing—you never regret the shots you do take but you always regret holding back. Yesterday you were sixteen now you're twenty-five, tomorrow you'll be sixty but you're not sure if you still have a ticket for tomorrow. I won't assure you that everything will be okay but at least you liberate yourself from self-doubts and fears. So what are you waiting for?
I was afraid of failures and mistakes back then but now I am more afraid of the agony of not trying. It's just a kind of relief for me that I am allowing myself to try new things that I was afraid of before. And I realized we all wrestle with fear. Our brain is wired to protect us thus we become so afraid of new things and uncertainties.
If we will look back to the great heroes in the Bible, God used them mightily in the most difficult and scary situations so these people wouldn't rely upon themselves, they rely on what God can do. Remember Joshua when Moises died, he is tasked to be the new leader and the LORD always reminds him to be courageous and not be terrified. David a young shepherd fighting to a mighty warrior just has a slingshot and stones in his hands. Gideon keeps waiting for a sign before doing what God asked him to do. Daniel was put into the lion's den and doesn't compromise his values and beliefs. Joseph on the pit, puts into jail and receives false accusations. Jonah keeps on running from God. Elijah who is distressed and flees from Jezebel. Peter denies Jesus three times because he fears random people.
There were women in the bible too who did things afraid, Esther risking her life to save her people. Rahab chooses to save the spies. Mary when the angel appeared and foretold the birth of Jesus. I think that was really troublesome, like you're a young woman who is supposed to be married then you'll a have child, "what would people would say to her, the humiliation, what if Joseph leave her?" But she trusts the Lord anyway and honors Him.
I mean, God has proven his faithfulness in the past so we can lean on His character. He never failed in every twist and turn in those different stories. He has already proven that he is faithful enough to be trusted fully. And actually, God doesn't need our help, he can choose other people, and he can use other people who have greater capacity than us. I remember whenever we hesitated to be part of some ministry in the church, the elders always warned us and say this, "kung ayaw mo hindi ka naman pipilitin ng Diyos, kaya niyang buhayin ang bato at umawit para sa kanya." It always gives me goosebumps. Entitled yarn?
When I was complaining to our pastor before he would say to me "Just quit and I would do all the works that you're doing, the Lord doesn't need your help, remember what you're doing for God is not for his benefit, it's for you. When you truly understand that it is a privilege to be used by the King of kings, you won't say that." Ansakit diba? Like I was so entitled but actually I didn't have the right to complain, He can use other people who are better than me. It's just my insecurities and fears that hinder me to follow Him. We can be disqualified at any time because of our foolishness just like Paul who recognized that it is possible for him to be disqualified of his prize. He says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, "No, I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
The truth is we're His stewards, He gives and takes away but He prospers the works of our hands if we trust him fully and pour out our hearts into the things He asks us to do.
And just like in my writing journey, I know the One who calls me to do it is greater than my fears. And I know I will still learn many new things in this path and having Him beside me is more than enough.
Fears would always try to scream out loud but GOD is just beside me murmuring and reminding me that I am safe in His arms. I am forever safe with Him.
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-10
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
Psalm 91:4-5
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Psalm 23:4
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
He has hundreds of promises so even if we go all alone on the path that He wanted us to venture, His constant assurance is enough, His grace is enough, and His love is enough. You can rest your heart beloved. His Word is truthful and God always acts upon His Word and promises. He won't leave you, so do it anyway; your purpose.
If you want to share your thoughts and ideas you can send your message here or some prayer requests, and we can pray for you. I get inspired by reading some of your comments and sharing the struggles you've been experiencing.
Free to message me here: https://merrelya.online/contact/.
Or on my IG pala, merrel.ya! I'm still new to this kind of stuff so I'm still learning a lot. See you there!
