Stop Asking Fear Permission

I have a question for you. Have you ever been afraid? I mean I'm talking scared-out-of-your-mind afraid. Well, I remember a time when I was scared-out-of-my-mind afraid. My family and I were being held at gunpoint in standstill traffic in Manila. Often when I think of fear, I think of moments like that. But today I want to talk about fear that, if not dealt with, has the power to hijack your life!

What I’m talking about is a fear that lies beneath. It’s the fear that, if we don’t identify it in ourselves, could be something that is actually driving all of our choices and actions. 

Fear is sneaky! Many times we don’t even know it’s in the driver's seat. We are cruising around and we have no idea that we’ve been hijacked.

Fear DRIVES us to do things that we never thought we would do.

Fear HOLDS us captive in a paralyzed potential. 

Whether we know it or not, we have, at times, asked fear for permission before we make any choices. That might sound crazy, but think about it.

When have you not done something because you paused long enough for fear to say, “Don’t do it!”?

I’ve been guilty of asking fear for permission! I’m sure you have too! Now that we have identified this emotion that has held us hostage. Next time you go to ask fear permission, pause and instead call out to God for help! 

• Psalm 18:6, In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice.