Your Destiny Is On the Other Side of Your Fear

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope.”      

~ Jeremiah 29:11

     For many of us, 2008 came with its fair share of challenges. Thousands of people were affected by the economic crisis. Several businesses collapsed across the country, numerous people lost their jobs, and adjustable mortgages caused many people to leave their homes.   

     And yet, in the midst of the turmoil, God still performs miracles and expects us to remain worry-free and trust Him during these difficult times.  

     Although God has given endless reasons to trust Him, I have to admit that at times I sometimes find myself in a place of fear and worry. Not knowing what lies ahead can be a difficult thing to handle.  I distinctly remember a time when I allowed my fears to keep me from pursuing a career in publishing.

     Even though I had a host of family and friends who encouraged me along the way, after receiving one too many rejection letters, I questioned whether or not God wanted me to be a writer. I continued to write for a local newspaper and attend writing classes, but I had convinced myself that that was as far as I was going to go as a writer.  

     Then one Sunday, I visited my cousin’s church in Virginia. Of all the wonderful words of wisdom the pastor shared, one line became permanently etched in my heart. “Your destiny is on the other side of your fear.”  As I listened to the message, I immediately thought of my fear of flying and speaking in front of a group of people. In my spirit, I felt God telling me that my dreams would be fulfilled after I confronted those two fears.  

     Honestly, I wrestled with my thoughts. I tried to place myself on a plane whenever I saw one in the sky. The idea that something so enormous could be suspended in air for hours baffled me. Whenever I heard someone speak, I imagined I was on the other end of the podium or microphone. In the end, however, my fears were too great, and I told God that I wasn’t ready. 

     But, God had other plans for me. Within that same year, I was placed in leadership positions where I had no choice but to speak publicly. In addition, my favorite cousin asked me to accompany him to the West Coast as he settled into graduate school far away from family and friends. There was no way I could tell him no.   

     While I still don’t think my ministry is behind the pulpit, what became clear was that writing was my ministry. My books needed to reflect that part of me. 

     Today I travel by car, train, and plane to speak to others and share my journey to inspire others. Every time I step onto a plane, I am amazed at my own courage. I still pray like crazy and get butterflies, but the anxiety is not as strong. Whenever I speak to others or teach a workshop, I stand in awe.  

     In all of this I learned that people must not allow fear to control them or stop them from reaching their goals.  As I face current challenges, I try not to let fear overcome my purpose in the life. I continue to take risks even when I’m not certain of the outcome, and despite what things look like or what the world tries to make me believe. If I continue to give my fears and worries to God, He will guide me into a greater destiny.  

     So, as you prepare for 2009, take a deep breath, step out on faith, and let God perform a miracle in your life. “Your Destiny Is On the Other Side of Your Fear.” 

Be Blessed, 

Nicole