Categories
Leadership

Getting Past Fear

The voice inside my head urged me to find a way out. Monday afternoon I had received an email from Jack, our worship leader at church. It requested my confirmation to play electric guitar and sing backing vocals at two worship services next weekend.

“But you haven’t played live for several years,” the voice said.

“Your chops aren’t nearly as good as the other three guitarists in the rotation,” the voice said.

“You’re really busy during the next 10 days,” the voice said.

“All you have to do is hit the ‘DECLINE’ button and this feeling will go away,” the voice said.

Tuesday came. After lunch I found myself alone with the Lord, praying about other things that concerned me such as a friend who has cancer, six couples whose marriages are struggling, and new opportunities in my job that will require significant reprioritization of my time. Big stuff. Real issues. Serious challenges. Then the summons in Jack’s email snuck back into my head. Suddenly I realized what I was feeling — I was afraid.

But then I remembered a different Voice. This Voice speaks to the heart. This Voice says:

“You are a passionate worshipper.”

“You love music, and you love helping lead others to worship Jesus.”

“You don’t need to compare your performance to others.”

“There is always plenty of time to enjoy Me.”

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline.”

“Go for it.”

I know this Voice. It is the Voice of the Holy Spirit. When He says go, it’s time to obey and to rest in that simple obedience. This Voice dispels fear. Following this Voice moves me past fear into settled peace.

I pulled out my phone, opened up Jack’s email, and clicked on the ‘CONFIRMED’ button.

Which fears hold you back from living out who you really are?

By Ken

Dr. Ken Cochrum (DMin, Bethel University) is Vice President of Global Digital Strategies at Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) in Orlando, Florida. An avid cyclist and aspiring guitarist, he also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He recently co-founded Indigitous.org, a movement passionate about connecting people to Jesus using digital strategies. He previously served as vice president of Cru’s student-led movements worldwide. He and his wife Ann spent 13 years in East Asia where they raised their two children. Ken blogs regularly at www.onleadingwell.com.

10 replies on “Getting Past Fear”

I totally resonate with what you shared. Felt that same way several times the past few weeks when I was ask to lead… but that still small voice reminded me to be me, and just worship Him. And that I have nothing to prove, nothing to lose, nothing to hide.

Thx for sharing, Ken.

Fear of failure. Fear that others won’t care what I have to say.

Ultimately, what compels me to listen to His voice and obey is the fear of the consequences of disobedience: missing out on pleasing Him, not bringing Him glory, failing to let Him do the impossible in my life.

Thanks for this post. It made me smile as I pictured you with your guitar singing to Him.

Love the way you captured that Simon: nothing to prove, nothing to lose, nothing to hide.

Good thoughts Ken! I will need to chew on your question for awhile. In the meantime, I’m wondering, “Where does Ken go to church and can I go too?” Because I love it when you lead worship.

Just saw this in Connection – I’ve been there, as an acoustic guitarist. There are tons of better players out there, but sometimes God lets us play, and it’s such a joy to get to serve – a joy we’d miss if we let our fear get in the way. This encouraged me at a deep level. Thank you.

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