Feel the Fear, and Do It Anyway

HI HI!!! I know its been a while since I last wrote, more like an eternity if we’re being totally honest, but hey! I’m back! Over the past three months, I’ve kind of taken a step back from writing to take time to be poured into. College quickly taught me that you can’t pour from an empty cup! So I’ve been in the word, finding God in places I never would have thought he’d show up, and just spending time in good community. And let me tell you, taking time to intentionally slow down and putting worldly things on the back burner so you can get back to the source makes all the difference. So with that being said, I am soo ready and excited to be writing to you all again!!!

“Do you really want to live a life that is safe, perfectly mapped out, requiring no faith in God? Wouldn’t that be boring?” Wow. After recently being asked that during a college church service, I just couldn’t shake it. I sat with that question for quite some time that night. I looked at my own life, my tendencies, my faith. I don’t want a color inside the lines life. I’ve always wanted to be a little bit of here and a little bit of there, live in a different country, change my name and dye my hair – a Donna Sheridan type moment if you will. But none of that can happen with the cookie cutter lifestyle I had fallen into. I realized without ever really noticing that I was clinging to the comfort of control. Being able to control even the smallest matters felt good. Coming out of a pandemic, moving away from my hometown, and graduating all within just a couple months left me with so much confusion and uncertainty. Will I choose the right sorority? Will Jupiter ever feel like home? When will I see my childhood best friends next? And get this friends!! This is where faith should've came in!! The peace that transcends all understanding! The unshakable confidence of knowing that I may not know how God is going to work it out for me, but you know that he will. I missed out on so much good that God had planned during these times because I had my matters in my own hands. I had my days planned out down to the literal half hour with exactly what I “needed” to be doing, who I should be hanging out with, and where I “should” be going. God didn’t want this for me! I find myself complaining pretty often about being busy, being worn out, being exhausted. But did God ask for me to plan out my life? Nope... not even once! Quite the opposite actually!

Yes, we can plan for things we want in life. We make decisions that set us up for certain opportunities. But, the same God who created the sunsets you marvel at and the mountains that take your breath away, wants to create a life just as beautiful for you! All we have to do is… let him. I wish I had something more profound to say there, but it’s as simple as that. Of course that’s easier said than done. But when does the easy way out ever benefit you? Let him in! I know it can be scary. We all have trust issues. We want to be in control. We want security. It’s natural! But life happens on the OTHER side of fear. Feel the fear, and do it anyway! God cannot sin against you, so shouldn’t he be the MOST trustworthy person to surrender control to?

Don’t let your pride steal your promise. We think we know best. We don’t think there’s nobody out there who knows what we need like we do. But what about the one who made you? It’s no coincidence that Heaven is higher than the Earth! He holds tomorrow in his hands. The job you’ve prayed about getting for months? He’s got it in the works. That one jump you’re anxious about taking? Consider it done! It’s all a grand illusion when you think you’re in control. I mean, think of one thing you actually have full control over. The list is short. Mine doesn’t go much further than what flavor Celsius I’m going to have that day. We oftentimes think we aren’t doing enough to be a “good Christian”, but the reality of the situation is that we may be doing too much…? We don’t have to attend every sermon, serve at every outreach, or grab coffee with every new face you meet. Just submit your ways to the Lord. Ask for his will to be done in your life. Pray about every situation. Talk to God like you talk to your Mom; about anything, everything, with no guard or walls up. Be still with him. Be patient while he answers. Walk through your days confident in the fact that he is working all things out for your good. He is fighting on your behalf, even when you can’t see it.

God is the author of love. He writes the best stories and he wants to write yours too. He healed me from insecurity and feelings of unworthiness. He saved me from the pressure of living for the world and trying to meet every expectation. He freed me from my shame and past regrets. He stepped in and made me whole again. If he did it for me, I promise he can do it for you too! Feel the fear, and do it anyway!

Hi again thank you for taking the time to read this :) Goodluck to everyone with exams and safe travels home for the summer! XO, Mads!!!!