Being Fearless by Having Faith

Surveys show that the #1 fear of Americans is public speaking. #2 is death. Death is #2. That means that at a funeral, the average American would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.

~ Jerry Seinfield

For the past 3 months, I have had a front row seat to watch someone be fearless. Perhaps “fearless” is the wrong word: this woman may have fear, but she lets God’s purpose be more important that her own fear.

You see, I have been talking all of my life. ALL. MY. LIFE. Microphones are to me what cups of coffee are to others (well, I love coffee too—but if pressed, I’d pick the microphone!). I love speaking. Love it.

I am an oddity though (you already knew that, didn’t you?) Most people fear public speaking just the way Jerry describes above. (Oh, no worries–we’ll get my fears in future posts!)

Enter Sarah, my friend and the woman who co-founded She Shares Ministries with me.

I don’t think she really ever “feared” speaking, but perhaps it’s because she never had a chance. Since our book came out and our ministry started, we have been speaking quite a bit…and she has jumped in with both feet–er, with a microphone. She was even on the radio for the first time recently too. Remember–it’s been three months. THREE months. That’s it. Look at this pro! (You can hear us on the radio via a link in her post here.)

Imagine if you had to do something new—even if you liked it!—in front of a bunch of people? If you had to learn “in real time with real people”? If you do it “wrong,” everyone will know. If you “fail,” it is a public event!

How would you handle it?

I asked Sarah for advice on being fearless with something that you know God has asked you to do that is outside your comfort zone.

Her answer?

Prayer.

Uh, duh. Of course. 🙂

Following are some verses for you in case God has asked you to take a step of faith into “scary” territory, whatever “scary” means for you:

I lift up my eyes to the hills –

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121: 1-2

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Phillippians 4:6

All of Hebrews 11 (read it again if it has been awhile!)

How many times is the phrase “by faith” used in Hebrews 11? If everything in Hebrews 11 transpired by faith—big stuff like the walls of Jericho falling—maybe we can put our little “step of faith” into perspective.

If He can bring down the walls of Jericho, He can calm the nerves in your stomach.

Go. Be fearless.