Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
I recently did a podcast about hearing God’s voice and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. But how exactly do you do that? As someone who unfortunately overthinks way too much about nearly everything, this is a tough one. Day after day, I find myself replaying conversations I had during the day, wondering if I said the right thing, if the other person interpreted it the way I meant it, if they are secretly angry or annoyed with me. It’s exhausting to say the least. The hardest part of it all though, is that it stops me from taking leaps of faith and stepping into opportunities that God lays out for me. Thankfully as I’ve grown and matured in my faith, the overthinking has started to lose the battle more often than not.
If you’re like me, then you’re wondering, how do I stop being fearful, how do I confidently walk into the plan that God has for me without second guessing?
I’m no expert at this in any way, but I have come up with 3 ways to help live the life we were meant to live.
Identify Your Fears
What exactly are you fearful of?
Answer these two questions:
- What is the best thing that can happen as a result of this?
- What is the worst thing that can happen?
Oftentimes I answer these questions and I realize that the worst thing that can happen when compared to the best thing, is really no comparison at all. I promise you, most of the time it’s not going to be a comfortable process. It wasn’t meant to be! But if you never actually identify the possible outcomes, it will continue to be an unidentified source of fear.
Trust God with Your Fears
God isn’t blind to our fears. He knows exactly what He’s asking you to do! He knows how uncomfortable it makes you. He knows the battle that is going on in your mind. Tell God your fears and ask Him to give you peace. He wants you to trust Him and He wants to give you peace, you just need to ask. He’s never going to ask you to do something and not see you through it.
Use What He’s Given You
Seek God in various ways. Pray about your fears. Ask people close to you to pray for you. Maybe it’s your spouse or your small group. Be open with what you're fearful of and what God is asking you to do. People who are on the same journey as you, will help encourage you to act in obedience.
There is no doubt that fear is an emotion you will face continually, even as a mature Christian. Yet, through Christ, we have the ability to overcome it. God has prepared a beautiful life full of twists and turns, open and closed doors. We just have to get out of our heads and step into the life He’s prepared for us.