Fear Of The Unknown

Have you ever considered your fear of stepping out into the things God has called you to could have nothing to do with failing and what could go wrong, but everything to do with what will be required of you if things actually work out and go right?

Elevation!

The definition of the word elevation is, "a height above a given level." I am noticing that this generation is in a season where God is calling us to higher things. He is calling us to places higher than our "given levels," higher than the levels we place ourselves on, and even higher than the levels we are hoping to reach. Elevation is such a beautiful thing because it shows the trust God has gained for us. It is the ultimate reward for your obedience in whatever season you are currently in.

“His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord' " - Mathew 25:21 (NKJV)

Something I am learning on my faith journey is that along with the beauty of elevation comes great responsibility. God can give you the vision, the instructions, and the platform, however, it is up to you to rise to the occasion. He is showing me that in order to elevate, you have to be willing to move on from everything that once was in order to step into what is to come. I know for me, that is always something I am challenged with. I feel like I fight so hard just to be okay and survive in certain seasons, and the moment things level off I'm greeted with yet another shift in my life. While this is very frustrating, I'm also realizing that when you are chosen, and God has placed a great work in you, there is no room for complacency. Whether you're sprinting, running, walking, crawling, or scooting, the only way to elevate to the things God has for you is to KEEP MOVING! You have to become okay with celebrating your victories AND your losses, regrouping, reflecting, and strapping up for the next battle God has prepared for you. During these times it's imperative that we train our minds and hearts to only take the wisdom, knowledge, and lessons we gain from experiences with us when God puts us in a position to elevate. Anything else outside of these things will become BAGGAGE! To put it into perspective, think about a flight of stairs. I feel like the majority of us can agree it is way more challenging to carry bags of groceries going UP the stairs as opposed to going down. When you try to bring what was (hurt, anger, insecurities, doubt, fear) into what is to become you are going to struggle and prolong your elevation every single time.

What Could Go Right?

Since I've launched my blog, I've experienced several thoughts, feelings and emotions on a daily basis. Of course that's expected, but, if I'm being completely honest, my greatest fear has been the fear of the unknown. And let me tell you, it hasn't been the average fear you experience when doing something new, or something different. Believe it or not, the thoughts of my blog failing, or fear of making mistakes hasn't affected me half as much as the thoughts of my blog reaching people, and actually becoming successful. Crazy right?! That's the whole purpose of this, to reach people, to spread the gospel, to give folks someone they can relate to. Yet of all things, I've had to go to God in prayer about removing my fear of this blog being elevated!

What happens if Hidden Treasures becomes that push someone needs throughout their week and I begin to feel pressured to post multiple times a week? Or what if I have to spend even more additional time with God to decide what content should be released? Or maybe I will have to minister to a non believer about who God is, or become vulnerable enough to share my own testimonies on a public platform. Maybe I can't lay around on social media for hours, maybe I'll have to save money to complete the projects God has called me to, or maybe I have to begin working out to keep a balanced mind. Maybe I'll have to work towards a stronger prayer life, or tell my friends I can't come out. I may even walk alone for a season or two. This is a raw brain dump of some of my greatest concerns I've had while preparing for this journey. These are all things that push me wayyyy out of my comfort zone, but, if I'm obedient and work towards each of these concerns, there is no doubt I will get to experience all of the things that could go right for Hidden Treasures.

These thoughts really tried to take over so of course I asked God to show me why I was so fearful of things going right? Like how backwards is that? And he showed me that I've allowed my comfort zone to also become my safety net. What does this mean? Well, basically, when I tell myself something is too hard, or I feel challenged, I factory reset myself to the Alita that believes anything that forces her to experience thoughts and emotions she isn't comfortable with is bad and needs to be terminated immediately. Sounds easy enough, but deep in my heart I want to reach people, I want them to heal, I want them to evolve, I want them to rise above where they are now. However, fear sometimes sneaks his way in like a thief in the night, because I know once I've reached that point there will be no turning back. My safety net will be a thing of the past. There will be no comfort zone to return to because going back would mean taking back the great work God has placed in me. I would be letting myself and my supporters down, but most importantly God. The thought that the only thing I have to fall back on is my faith in God and His promise over my life is petrifying, however, more comforting then any other plan I could create for myself.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Go Forward!

I'm sure if God has called you to a place where it is time for you to elevate, you can relate to some of these thoughts I just described. It is so important that we come willing and prepared to release everything that no longer serves us when we are stepping into new seasons. Your faith in knowing God has already ordered your steps has to outweigh the fear we have of the unknown. Being obedient to God will feel a lot better than sacrificing all the things He wants to give to you. Remember that our stories were written before we were even formed in our mothers wound. Rest in knowing God loves you so much that he went before you to ensure everything you are called to will align with you in His divine timing.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Romans 8:28

Application

I hope that you were able to gain new insight through today's blog. I encourage you to go forward in whatever it is you desire to have in this new year. Understand that the gifts God has given you, will make room for you in this season. Embrace His elevation over your life. Allow your faith in the unknown to overcome your fear of the unknown. After all, if God be for you who can be against you, and if God is with you, whom shall you fear?

Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for the grace and mercy you constantly give us without hesitation. We thank you for going before us and ordering our steps before we were in our mothers' womb. We thank you for each trial and tribulation we've endured that allowed us to draw closer to you. We thank you for allowing us to enter into a new year that will bring forth new elevations. Purge us Oh God, of anything that was sent to hold us back from what you have for us. Give us the wisdom to release the people, places, and things that need to be left behind in this new season you're calling us to. Bless our unknown territories Dear God. Put us in position to receive the overflow you have for us. Give us wisdom and guidance as we navigate through the unknown. God we ask that you be the Lord over our trials and the Lord over our triumphs. We praise you for all that you've done, all that you're doing, and all that you are going to do in this new year! I ask that you continue to cover and keep Hidden Treasures as we continue to Heal, Evolve, and Rise together! AMEN!