Are fears holding you back from your dreams? Taking risks is a part of life, but fear can stop you in your tracks. God didn’t give you a spirit of fear but of power, love, and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
He’s also a dream giver.
Yes, God gives you dreams. Not the kind that wake you up at night, but those He puts in your heart. Things He wants you to do or learn or create. Dreams that seem impossible to achieve – but also, impossible to let go.
It’s worth noting that not all dreams are from God. Some come from a desire for personal gain – achieving “success” or reaching your “full potential.” Others are things you hope for but don’t expect to get.
God gives you dreams so you can respond on earth to what He is doing in heaven. If your dreams are from God, nothing can stop His purpose and plan for your life. He will provide everything you need to realize your dreams (Philippians 4:19).
God wants you to walk in faith and believe in your dreams. Dare to take risks, but expect some roadblocks. Fear, for one. Your fears can stop you from pursuing your God-given dreams.
You can’t walk in faith and fear at the same time.
📋 DISCLOSURE – This page has affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Read more here.
5 Types of Fear
The dictionary defines fear as an emotion caused by impending danger – real or imagined. Another definition is anxious concern. Fear is unpleasant, distressing, and often strong. It makes you feel apprehensive or uneasy.
How often do you say “no” to something – even a God-given dream – because you fear what might happen? Or rather, what you think might happen? Say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” (Hebrews 13:6)
Fears that might be holding you back include the following:
1. Fear of Inadequacy
Do you feel inadequate? Not good enough? Lacking the talent or skills needed to pursue your dreams? You can overcome this fear by knowing who you are in Christ – and who He is.
Be confident that He who started a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6). Feeling inadequate is not a hindrance to God’s using you. In fact, it’s often a prerequisite.
2. Fear of Judgment
The Bible has a lot to say about judging others. No one likes to be judged, and pursuing your dreams can open you up to the possibility of judgment.
If you feel judged by others, examine your heart (2 Corinthians 13:5) and go to God in prayer (Matthew 7:7). You could be the one judging their motives. If you stop wondering what others are thinking, you might stop feeling judged by them. This I know from experience.
3. Fear of Missing Out
Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a term introduced 20+ years ago to describe a phenomenon on social media sites. It’s the perception that others are living better lives – or experiencing better things – than you are.
This type of fear can happen in real life, too. It’s a distraction that keeps you from forming relationships or reaching your dreams.
4. Fear of the Unknown
It’s common to fear the unknown. People don’t like to leave their comfort zones. As a result, they often avoid making decisions that lead to unknown consequences.
Uncertainty is uncomfortable, for sure. But it’s a part of life. You can overcome your fear of the unknown by trusting God’s plan for you and your future (Jeremiah 29:11).
5. Fear of Change
Like fear of the unknown, fear of change is also common. It can steal your peace and joy. But, as my husband often says, change is the only guarantee in life. And staying put can be riskier than changing.
To stop fearing change, embrace it. Step out of your comfort zone. Change your routine, or try something different. Take time to enjoy the moment.
Fear Stifles Your Dreams
To overcome your fears and walk in faith, you must listen to God. For most Christians, God’s voice is not audible. It’s more about His Spirit speaking to yours. Learn how to listen to God – not with your physical ears but with your spiritual ears.
Charles Stanley’s book How to Listen to God is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read it many times since its publication in 1985. Each time, I’ve learned something new to help me hear from God and know Him better.
Last week, after some quiet time with God, I opened this book again. As I finished one chapter and started the next, I thought about my dreams – in particular, the dreams I have for my blog.
“Are they from God?” I wondered. “Do they align with His will and purpose for my life?” As I grappled with these questions, God brought to mind the fears that hinder my dreams.
Are YOUR fears holding YOU back?
Fears – inadequacy, judgment, FoMO, change, the unknown – can overcome you in many ways. They can paralyze you and hold you back from God’s goodness. Faith empowers you and draws you closer to God.
Faith Empowers Your Dreams
I love the blogging journey. It’s challenging at times, but also rewarding. Blogging stretches my thinking, my skills, even my faith. And yet, I’m often hesitant to take risks. “Believe in your dreams,” I tell myself, but something holds me back.
Do I fear failure or success? It might be a little of both. Over time, I’ve struggled with most of the fears mentions above. Maybe you have, too.
Isn’t it time to replace our fears with faith? If blogging is part of God’s plan for my life – and I believe it is – He will help me realize my dreams. He will show me my struggles, how they apply to my life, and how it all connects to Him.
God will show me the way (Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 3:6), and He’ll do the same for you.
Are you ready to face the fears that are holding you back? Want to learn how to listen to God, who gives you power, love, discipline – and dreams? Ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). Walk in faith and believe in your dreams! ◻️
Related Posts
- 7 Practical Ways to Trust God, Even in the Setbacks and Struggles
- 7 Reasons Why You Need Quiet Time With God Every Day
- Prayer Tips: 11 Ways to Focus When You Pray
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Do you believe in your dreams, or do fears hold you back? What steps will you take to overcome your fears and follow your dreams?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 NOTE – You are reading “Stifled by Fear? Walk in Faith and Believe in Your Dreams.” An earlier version appeared on this blog in 2018. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
Good Evening. I’m Necole. I live in OKC. For many years I have felt limited by life, knowing God’s Word but simply not believing it. I am nearing retirement but I still have many dreams. There will always be distractions, much like noise. I believe that I will see the salvation of the Lord and that my name will be great someday. Thanks for posting this as I get my script ready for the world to know my story. May God continue to use you to bless and inspire others.
Hi, Necole!
Thank you for your encouragement. Glad to hear you still have so many dreams. Walk in faith and believe in your dreams! May God richly bless you and your future endeavors.
Blessings, Annette
In some cases, you’re making a good attempt to take care of business – but it’s not sufficient. Things are self-destructing. What to do, you’re inquiring. Simply continue onward through a lot of hardship for yourself? Not a great fit for every other person. With insight, I will gather my bliss. What’s more, I will do it alone. I will live for me and I won’t check the others out.
Hello, Joyce. Thank you for reading my post, and for sharing your thoughts here. Have faith, and believe in your dreams!