I’ve been doing some more thinking about the fear of failure that I talked about on Tuesday (see Undertake the Impossible).
I realize that I’m not Webster, but I am trying to develop my own definitions of a couple words and would appreciate your help in clarifying some things.
In my mind, FEAR is a negative force. I've often heard it said that fear is “of the devil”. If that is the case, then fear must be a tool, or a weapon, used to deter me. Fear’s objective would be to keep me from moving in a direction that would benefit me.
CAUTION, on the other hand, sounds like a positive resource. Caution would prevent me from doing something that harms me. Some of the most famous last words are, "I ain't scared!". (Obviously, fear wasn't a factor, but caution could have saved their lives.)
There is a feeling that comes up when I consider doing something “risky”. The big question then becomes (based on my definitions), “Is this feeling the result of caution or fear?”
If it’s caution, then maybe I should pass. There must be danger ahead.
If it’s fear, then I need to “gird up my loins” and make a move.
Help me. How can I distinguish between the two?
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4 comments:
"I ain't scared"
I feel that that comment is a cover up for being scared, you are trying to talk yourself out of being affraid. Caution on the other hand is when you are watchful,or trying to avoid danger.
David cried out that the Lord was his sheperd,which took away all fear, because He was with David. David at that point had no reason to fear anything.
Fear can block you from doing almost anything,but caution will cause you to think about what you are doing and then move on.
fear is a weapon that *is* used to control the mind, and to stop one from accomplishing..
but u have to remember that every thought, good or bad, begins first with the mind..(ah, ha..)
Its how u use the word of God to conquer this fear that starts within the mind is the key..
I personally, constantly quote scriptures to encourage my spirit. I have them in my office at work, on the door, on the fridge, and even on my computer.
Sometimes, there will be one or two scriptures that I have posted up, that today, it may not touch my heart, but tomorrow, when I read it, it suddenly springs to life, and it tells me that I am grounded, and enclosed, and have nothing to fear, knowing that God's got my back.
That for me is an awesome and *comforting* feeling..
Caution the ability to tread with care..
Personally, what i am finding out in my daily walk, is to trust God is all things.
If its his will for something to be done, then He will allow the doors to come open,..I just have to step in his glory, without fear, to claim what he has for me.
if its not his will for me, then, they - the doors of whatever I am seeking, will not be open..
and this tells me to proceed with caution and care.
sometimes we as individuals are so eager to get ahead, that we forget in the secular world that God is nearby, and just as how we listen to him in Church, we need to listen to him in every other aspect of our lives..
He does talk, and he does talk constantly to us as his children..
but the point I am trying to make is..
Are we at that point, we can just be still and listen?
Can I dissect your comments a bit?
Your comments will be in ()
(Certain people, when they hit rock bottom (financially, professionally, emotionally) and can’t go any lower, make a decision to begin a course of action that propels them to success. Since there is nothing worse than their current state, they figure, “anything is better than this!”)
Very true statement. Most people move when their backs are up against a wall and most people do very well, when all is taken from them, or the tables of life has turned on them.
Its amazing how the Lord sometimes has a way of making one listen!
(But what about individuals that aren’t at rock bottom? Those who have a piece of “success” and live what many might call “the good life”? What happens when a person actually does have something to lose?
It’s not easy to put “the good life” at risk. Unfortunately, this is the reason that many journeys—whether they be personal, athletic, corporate, or social movements—end short of the final destination. People become satisfied. Things get to be “good enough”, and forward progress ends.)
Good point. All I can say is that this is a personal choice that you have to make.
Some people like to *double dip* (fav phrase of mine)
They do what their vision is to do, but at the same time, they have a backup plan should the cards not fall into place.
Thats just something that my parents taught me . Never do anything in life, without always having a back up plan should things fall thru.
Great people my parents!!
Fear has never been much of a problem of mine. Timing and patience have been more of my struggle. I grew up not being afraid to jump into things because I had nothing to lose. I jumped sometimes too quickly and sometimes not in the place I should have. Why? because getting to my destiny was a matter of life and death...I didn't fear because I needed to survive. Survival was my push and I knew that God was my protector no matter where I landed. Now what happens when you have everything to lose and you are no longer in survival mode? Are we still willing to push through the fears? For me, survial is not the issue anymore and I am still not afraid, BUT, I have more to give up. The drive is still there and I would jump even more, but it would be at the risk of interrupting my family's lives, disrupting financial stability, and so forth. As stated, my issue is holding myself back and waiting for the right time to jump. So meeting my destiny for a cup of coffee will occur at the appointed time, but patience, self-sacrifice, and a few appointments with the "Potter", will have to pay the bill once me and destiny have met.
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