A Fool-Proof Way to Propel Toward Your Purpose

All rational logic went out the door. I was 100% living in the fictitious world I had created in my mind. My imagination can run circles around any top Hollywood box office hit – when given the right set of circumstances.

Let me explain.

A while back, I discovered an abscess in my mouth, on my gums, to be exact. It was new. It was foreign. It didn’t belong. I was not a fan. And it was not welcome.

Cue the opening credits – the story is about to unfold…

When I discover unidentified objects on my body, I have a standard protocol that I run through {doesn’t everybody?!?}.

I’m pretty good at playing Dr. Google and applying my DIY tactics. It usually works like a charm. But this time, nothing was working. I couldn’t peel it, pick it, or pop it off. 

Insert dramatic orchestra film score.

Lies began to flood my mind, each one wrapped in a prickly blanket of fear.

I was convinced it was cancer.

Lightning strikes, and thunder cracks.

I immediately started kicking myself for all that chewing tobacco in high school {Yup, no typos there – you read that right}.

Cancer was the leading actor in my feature film. She was destined to be bald and dead in a matter of months. 

Satan was directing this fake film.

Nothing was off-limits. We were going for Gold {Grammy Gold, that is}.

My film needed a hero. 

So, I took matters into my own hands – of course. I had to face the giant {aka my fear}. I made an appointment with my Dentist to give me a proper diagnosis. 

I explained my dire circumstances to the receptionist. She squeezed me in the next day {cuz panic can be persuasive).

I had a doctorate degree from Google University in gum disease by this time. I was preparing for a biopsy.

This box-office hit I was producing in my mind was reaching the climax. Death was imminent. My days were numbered. 

Alas, I was in the Dentist’s chair.
Ready to face my fate.

I explained all the gory details to my Dentist, which led to an impromptu true confession session. 

For some reason, I felt it was relevant for him to know of a particular chewing tobacco session with a friend in a Subaru in my high school parking lot one night during a basketball game. Never mind that we broke into the car – I had bigger fish to fry.

He was gracious beyond measure, listening and nodding with every tale. By now, I had the attention of the entire office.

Dying people don’t hold back, ya know. I didn’t care who heard my stories of remorse and regret. My fear was bold and brave enough to bare all and tell all.

Dr. Gracious finally interrupted and said, ‘Why don’t you open your mouth so I can take a peek’?

This was it.
Cancer was calling.
My life would never be the same again.
Deep breath.
Open wide.

Uh-huh.
Mmm.
I see.

In less than 2 seconds, my abscess was dangling at the end of his scraper thingy.

A popcorn kernel!

He announced it loud and proud for all to hear.
Cuz ‘All’ was listening.

And so it was.
Embedded into my gum.
Popcorn – disguised as cancer.

I flung my arms up and pumped both fists into the air.
I hollered, “I’m gonna live!!!!”
Loud a proud for All to hear.

And then I laughed myself silly.
And so did Dr. Gracious.
And so did All.

And, cut.
Movie over.
Roll credits….
Staring Satan and his sidekick FEAR.

F.E.A.R – False Evidence Appearing Real

This acronym accurately describes how our minds can weave together false tales of how situations will turn out.

Yikes, I resemble that remark!

We live in a society defined by its insecurities. We fear the loss of our jobs, health, money, relationships, and sense of control. 

To prove my point, check out this list. It’ll give ya a glimpse of just how far fetched our fears can reach:

• Bennophobia: fear of slime
• Dextrophobia: fear of objects on the right side of the body.
• Auroraphobia: fear of the northern lights.
• Thalassophobia: fear of being seated.
• Graphophobia: fear of writing in public.
• Phobophobia: fear of being afraid.
• Pentheraphobia: fear of a mother-in-law
• Xanthrophobia: fear of the color yellow
• Authorphobia: fear of authors (I made that one up!)

You get the point. 

Fear is rooted in many aspects of our day-to-day lives. But it doesn’t have to!

Think about your biggest goal. 
Imagine your wildest dream.
Picture your purpose in life.

Why haven’t you accomplished it yet?

If you’re like me {and the rest of the world}, the answer is basic: fear.

Fear is the limiting factor {aka big fat lie} keeping you from walking out your true potential. 

It’s easy to pretend fear doesn’t have a grip on you.
It’s easy to make excuses.
It’s easy to convince yourself you can’t face it.
It’s easy to talk yourself out of God’s plan for your life.

It’s by design – Satan’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.

It’s harder to face our fears.

But God says,

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.“

Isaiah 41:10

Yet fear continues to distract and derail us – despite God’s promise. 

Not on our watch!

Let’s flip the switch.

Instead, try using fear as a cue to take action – not an excuse.

Learning how to overcome fear is a fool-proof way to propel toward your purpose.

Let’s look to the Lord as our source of truth. 

Check out these 5 Simple Ways to Kick Fear to the Curb:

#1: Recognize Your Fears

Name them {but don’t claim them}. The first step to overcoming fear is identifying it. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.“

Philipians 4:6-7

#2: Reveal it to Heal it

Talk about your fears with people you trust. Fear grows in silence. It’s part of Satan’s scheme – to fill you with anxiety, doubt, and insecurities. Fear loses its grip when you speak of it out loud.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“

Proverbs 3:5-6

#3: Do Something

Often, we become paralyzed by our need to be perfect. The result, we do nothing out of fear of getting it wrong. Instead, practice progress – take one baby step forward. Celebrate progress over perfection.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.“

Psalm 23:4

#4: Proximity is Power

The simple act of whom you spend your time with is who you become. Take inventory. Make sure the people you spend the most time with are truth-tellers (laced in love), dream defenders (grounded in goodness), and Jesus freaks (backed by the Bible). 

“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.”

Rev 12:11

#5: Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Nothing ever grows in the space of comfort and security. Embrace fear-  and all its sweaty palms and beating heart glory. Those are the life-defining, game-changing, walk-on-water moments we were made for. 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.“

Romans 8:28

Knowing our fears and facing them will set us free and on fire for Jesus. Your purpose and potential are worth fighting for.

God needs you (and so do we).