On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:3-4 (NLT).
We have all at some point suffered unnecessarily much in peace of mind, because of anticipating difficulties or problems that never materialised. Fear sometimes deters us from going forward. We fail to make progress because we have imaginary challenges.
Being negative in our thoughts and expectations will torment us unnecessarily, it will give us needless sleepless nights. In most cases at the end, we often wondered why we worried and tortured ourselves over a non-existent problem.
The three women who bought spices to anoint Jesus’ body asked themselves who would roll away the stone from the door of the tomb. They were yet to get there, but they already saw problems at their destination. The women got to the tomb and the stone was already rolled away. They worried about a problem that was already taken care of.
Stop worrying and stop making negative predictions that will keep you from moving forward. Just because dark clouds are gathering, doesn’t mean the storm will arrive! Discussing solutions to a problem, is better than worrying about a problem without thinking of solutions.
Some have had opportunities of career advancement. This may have involved applying for a new job with another organisation, but you’ve allowed fear to keep you where you are. You’ve thought of every negative or “good” reason why it’s not a good idea to leave your current job.
What if I don’t fit in? What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t like the people? STOP! If you just trust God, you may not even experience the difficulties or problems anticipated. Do not let fear cripple you to inaction.
Hannah Hurnard, the author of Hinds’ Feet on High Places, was once paralyzed by fear. Then she heard a sermon on scarecrows that challenged her to turn her fear into faith. The preacher said,
“A wise bird knows that a scarecrow is simply an advertisement. It announces that some very juicy and delicious fruit is to be had for the picking. There are scarecrows in all the best gardens… If I am wise, I too shall treat the scarecrow as though it were an invitation. Every giant in the way which makes me feel like a grasshopper is only a scarecrow beckoning me to God’s richest blessings.” He concluded, “Faith is a bird that loves to perch on scarecrows. All our fears are groundless.”
Fear is a powerful weapon in the hand of the enemy against believers. But faith in God and His promises is a much powerful weapon in the hand of believers against the enemy.
God wants us to stretch our faith based on His promises. He wants us to confess that fear will not rule or control our lives.
Rule your fear or it will rule you.
Stay blessed,
Alex
Hills and Valleys 