As a Women’s Leadership coach, one of the top issues that I work with my clients on as they seek to achieve their goals is conquering fear. Their fears run the gamut – fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of job loss, fear of the unknown, fear of asking for a raise or promotion, fear of confronting a colleague — the list goes on and on.
Fear can hold us back. Fear can keep us from taking risks, making career moves, experiencing new things, and overcoming challenges. Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from getting ahead personally and professionally. Ultimately, fear can keep us from living our best lives.
I’ve been there.
I know this firsthand because I used to have a fear of flying. The thought of turbulence would rattle my nerves. I would make myself sick just thinking about it. So, I decided I would stay close to the ground. If I couldn’t take a bus or a train – then I wasn’t going. As time went on, I realized that I was missing out on opportunities – vacations, networking, family time – just because I wouldn’t board a plane.
One Sunday, inspired by a message from my pastor, I set a goal to conquer my fear of flying. I laid my goal before God. Two months later, a friend called me about a career opportunity. The job sounded ideal – great company, great salary, great benefits. But, I would have to travel – by plane – about 65% of the time (God certainly has a sense of humor 😁). My fear of flying made me think twice about applying for the job. But, the Bible tells us in Proverbs 1:33 that whoever listens to God will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. So, I chose to cling to my faith.
Before making that career move, I was working a low-paying job and I had a large student loan debt. The new job provided a higher salary that allowed me to pay off my student loan, contribute to my family’s financial well-being, and expand my career horizons. And today, I’m a frequent flyer who loves to travel.
Had I not decided to conquer my fear of flying, applying for that job would not have even been an option. Fear can shut doors and keep us from pursuing opportunities that can transform our lives.
Face Your Fear God’s Way
If you’re ready to conquer your fears and live your best life, here are some steps you can take:
- Share your heart with God: When you experience fear, confess it to God. Share your heart with Him. 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Trust in God: Psalm 56:3 tells us to put our trust in God when we are afraid. Basically, this scripture is telling us to feel the fear and do it anyway. So go ahead, face your fear. He’s got you!
- Expect that God will deliver you: Psalm 34:4 reminds us that when we seek the Lord, he will answer us and deliver us from all of our fears.
As Christian Career Women, we want to live meaningful and productive lives. We want to reach new heights and inspire others to do the same. So, let’s take God-directed steps to conquer any fears that make us think small, hold us back, and keep us in a box. Set a goal, pray about it, and expect God to do His thing!
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