Does Writing Scare You? Here’s One Thing You Can Do Today to Overcome Your Fear

By Tammie Fickas

Are there writing opportunities you regret not taking? How about dreams you’ve put aside? Do you ever wish your life was different? What’s holding you back from taking chances and fulfilling your God-given purpose?

For me, the answer is fear and more questions. What if I fail? Or look like a fool? Sometimes I let the “what ifs” hold me back and keep me in my shell. Acting on my dreams doesn’t always work out the way I want, which hurts. That pain makes me want to just stay put. The only problem with staying put is it’s boring and prevents me from fulfilling the true calling in my life.

God’s word tells us that He has a purpose for our lives. Our talents and dreams we cherish are His way of working through us. If we live in fear, we will never honestly know what He can do through us. Nothing in His word promises it will be easy. The Bible is full of His people facing adversity despite His purpose. He didn’t even hold back pain, suffering, and death from His own son while Jesus was accomplishing the most significant goal of all times.

Being afraid of stepping into our purpose is not bad. It’s human. We don’t disappoint God because we’re scared. He understands, but He wants us to trust His plan. If we step up in faith and take the chance, we allow Him to use us.

The truth is, if God is for us, we can’t fail. Ultimately, we don’t always know the purpose of what we’re called to in this life. The lesson may be in my stepping out and not in my success. Someone may need to see that it’s okay to try and not succeed. This is one of the things that keeps me writing even when it’s hard, or I’m scared.

None of this is about me. It’s about God and what He has done for me. Whether I’m writing or jumping out of a plane, my life is lived for an audience of one. The only thing that matters is whether my Lord is behind my endeavors. If He’s with me, I can look fear in the face and move forward. My courage is wrapped up in my faith in the Lord.

What keeps you going while pursuing your purpose?

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. ~Psalm 138:8

Tammie Fickas loves Jesus, her kitty Wilson, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. She believes your dreams are important to God and He can fulfill them in unexpected ways. Tammie writes to inspire women to dream big, fear less, and live now. To connect with Tammie, follow her on Facebook.