Right Where We Are Supposed To Be

Why is it so easy to be brave in some areas of life but so difficult in others? Why is it that I can paddle out in waves the size of houses and not be afraid but ask me to stand up and speak in front of people, and I am petrified? 

A great friend, mentor, and brother in Christ gave me some advice that, honestly, I’m not sure he even meant to. I would see him in the water on big outside days with just a few of us out, and he would always greet me with a head nod and a simple “good to see ya…. Right where we’re supposed to be.” It’s such a simple reminder to me that the things God designed us for and calls us to – fear is usually not a barrier. He has been preparing us for these things.

But what about when it is something new he is calling us to? Something we may not be comfortable, experienced, or proficient in? It’s easy to be fearless when it is the thing we’ve been doing for a while. But it’s only natural to be fearful of something new, even if we have been preparing for it for some time. Being prepared does not necessarily mean we won’t have fear.

In Joshua Ch 1, we can clearly see that even for a mighty man of faith – a fearless warrior in battle – fear can be a problem when stepping into a new calling. Joshua was being prepared to take over leadership once Moses was gone. Joshua was a fearless warrior, courageous and strong, yet over and over again, God reminds him to be strong and courageous. Just because he was strong and courageous on the battlefield does not mean that same courage and strength will translate into this new calling of leadership and leading God’s people into the promised land. But when God is the one who calls you into something, be assured – just as he spoke to Joshua:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Image by Annie Souther