I’ve been feeling this persistent fear lately, this deep anxiety about God. It’s not a fear of punishment or hellfire exactly, but more a fear of being asked to do something incredibly difficult, something that would completely upend my life and push me way beyond my comfort zone. It’s a fear of the unknown, of surrendering control, and potentially facing hardship or ridicule. I worry that I’m not strong enough, not faithful enough, to handle whatever God might ask of me. It’s almost like I’m bracing myself for a huge sacrifice or a life-altering mission. So, considering all of that, and knowing that fear can often be a deceptive emotion, why am I scared of what God will ask me to do?
Answer
Fear of what God will ask you to do can stem from several intertwined sources, often rooted in a complex understanding of faith, personal limitations, and the nature of the divine.
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Perceived Personal Inadequacy: A significant source of fear is the belief that you are not capable of fulfilling God’s potential requests. This could manifest as a lack of skill, knowledge, or resources. If you feel ill-equipped for a task, the fear of failure and disappointing God can be overwhelming. This ties into feelings of unworthiness or a belief that you are not "good enough" to be used by God in a meaningful way. The anticipation of being called to something beyond your comfort zone can trigger anxiety.
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Fear of Sacrifice and Discomfort: Serving God may involve personal sacrifice, stepping outside your comfort zone, or enduring hardship. This could include material sacrifices, changes in lifestyle, or facing social opposition. The fear of these potential costs and the uncertainty of what they might entail can be a major deterrent. The desire for comfort, security, and control can clash with the perceived demands of a higher calling.
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Misconceptions About God’s Nature: Your understanding of God’s character plays a crucial role. If you perceive God as a demanding, judgmental, or punitive figure, the prospect of disappointing Him or incurring His wrath can generate significant fear. On the other hand, if you understand God as loving, merciful, and understanding, this can allay fears. A belief in unconditional love and forgiveness can mitigate anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of expectations.
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Lack of Trust and Faith: A fundamental element is the level of trust you have in God’s plan and guidance. If you struggle to believe that God has your best interests at heart, or if you doubt His ability to provide for your needs, you may be hesitant to surrender control and follow His lead. Doubt and uncertainty can breed fear, especially when contemplating life-altering decisions based on faith.
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Uncertainty About God’s Will: Discerning God’s will can be a challenging process. Ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding God’s specific plans can lead to anxiety and apprehension. The fear of misinterpreting signs, making the wrong choices, or straying from the "right" path can be paralyzing. The fear of missing a divine calling is also relevant here.
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Fear of the Unknown: Ultimately, following God often involves venturing into uncharted territory. The unknown is inherently unsettling, and the prospect of relinquishing control over your life and future can be frightening. This fear can be amplified by societal pressures to maintain control and pursue personal ambitions. The idea of surrendering your own plans to a higher purpose can be challenging.
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External Influence and Pressure: Messages from religious authorities, communities, or even well-meaning individuals can inadvertently contribute to fear. If teachings emphasize strict adherence to rules, the potential for sin, or the consequences of disobedience, this can create a climate of anxiety and fear. Similarly, social pressures to conform to specific religious expectations can amplify personal fears.
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Past Experiences and Trauma: Previous negative experiences within a religious context, such as judgmental or authoritarian leadership, spiritual abuse, or disillusionment, can create lasting fear and distrust. Traumatic events can shape your perception of God and make you hesitant to trust in His guidance.
- Spiritual Warfare: Some believe that negative emotions and fears related to serving God can be attributed to spiritual forces that actively try to discourage and hinder believers. This perspective suggests that fear may be a tactic used to prevent you from fulfilling your divine potential.
Overcoming this fear often involves deepening your relationship with God through prayer, studying scripture, seeking wise counsel, and cultivating a sense of trust and surrender.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart feels small tonight, filled with a fear I can’t quite grasp. I ask for your forgiveness for this lack of trust. Why am I scared of what God will ask me to do?
Is it the unknown, Lord? The uncertainty of the path ahead? Am I clinging to the familiar, even when I know you call me to something more? Perhaps it’s a fear of failure, a worry that I won’t be good enough, strong enough, or brave enough to carry out your will.
Lord, I confess my limitations. I am weak, I am flawed, and I am prone to doubt. But I also know that you are strong, you are perfect, and you are unwavering in your love for me.
Help me to release this fear, to surrender my anxieties into your capable hands. Remind me that you never ask more of me than you equip me to handle. Fill me with the faith to believe that your plans for me are good, plans for hope and a future.
Open my heart to hear your call, and grant me the courage to answer with a willing spirit. Help me to trust that even if the path is difficult, you will walk beside me, guiding my steps and providing the strength I need.
I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who faced his own fears with unwavering faith and obedience. Amen.