Fear Holds You Back: Isaac’s Story
Our youngest son Isaac is nearly 16 years old and has been riding horses since he was five. When he was younger, he was quite an anxious rider, and even though he'd never experienced a big fall or accident, he was always fearful of something happening. Because of this, he often held back and didn’t attempt things he was probably capable of doing.
During our move interstate and the disruptions of COVID, Isaac didn’t ride very much. In that time, he had the opportunity to reflect on his riding and how often fear had caused him to step back from challenges, especially around horses.
The Big Shift: What Changed Everything
Fast forward to this morning and watching Isaac confidently handle an ex-racehorse without a care in the world. Even when something unexpected happened that would have once freaked him out, Isaac calmly corrected the behaviour and carried on.
On the way to drop him off at his agriculture studies after this morning's ride, I asked Zac what had changed. His response struck me: “Mum, I thought about how often I was afraid before, the many opportunities I missed, and what my old coach, Trish, had once said after I’d been watching another rider jump in the arena. I asked, ‘How do they do that?’ Trish replied, "Hard work, confidence, and guts!"
“I wasted a lot of time being scared,” he admitted. “So, when I started riding again, I decided I wasn’t going to be afraid anymore. Instead, I’d be confident, get on with it, and enjoy myself because I love horses and riding. Why waste time being scared?”
God’s Plan for a Fearless Life
Isaac’s words hold a lot of wisdom and can be applied to all areas of our lives. Fear can rob us of so much. No matter who we are or where we come from, it’s easy to let fear hold us back—fear of something bad happening, getting hurt, being disappointed, or making a mistake. The list is endless. Yet, every time we hesitate, we risk missing out on opportunities to grow, enjoy life, and fulfil our God-given potential.
I've learnt that God doesn’t want us to live that way. He didn’t create us to live in fear but to live victoriously. He calls us to be “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37) and reminds us that we have resurrection power within us (Ephesians 1:19-20 NIV). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, calmed storms, healed the sick, and performed miracles resides in us. With such a promise, why would we let fear dictate our lives?
Grab the Reins and Go For It
So today, I encourage you: rather than focusing on your fears or the limitations you see in front of you, focus on Jesus and His Word. Meditate on His promises and what He says about you. You are more capable than you realise, and God has extraordinary plans for your life. Like Isaac, it’s time to take life by the reins, choose confidence, and move forward in faith.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me I don’t have to live in fear. Please help me to trust in Your promises and walk in the confidence of who You’ve created me to be. Please fill me with courage, strengthen my faith, and guide me to step boldly into the life You’ve planned for me.
Today I choose to live boldly, trusting You to lead and protect me as I step into the abundant life You have prepared for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen
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