Fear of Flying
Fear of flying ranks high on the list of phobias in our country, especially after a series of plane crashes. But what about the fear of flying “spiritually?” What makes Christians so chickenhearted about spreading their wings? And how can we overcome our fear and find the freedom God wants for all His children?
But before we look at some steps we can take when we find our spiritual planes are grounded, let’s look at what flying “spiritually” means. To some, it may mean overcoming any fears that keep you from serving God the way you want. To others, it may mean discovering–and living up to your full potential in Christ. And to others, it may mean learning how to make the best of what life has dealt you.
Whatever it may mean to you, here are six steps that may help you spread your spiritual wings and overcome your fear of flying.
1. Admit Your Desire to Fly
Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness (Psalm 55:5-7, NLT).
Ever feel like you “wanna get away?” King David the Psalmist did. In these verses he agonized over the betrayal and treachery of his trusted counselor Ahithophel and his own rebellious son, Absalom. He longed for escape, just to get away from it all.
Many of us have uttered that same prayer, stemming from weariness, overwhelming circumstances, or extreme discouragement, maybe even an unexplained fear that someone–or something–has clipped our wings permanently. But getting away is not always the solution. God often uses unpleasant or stressful situations to push us to the edge of our current “nest.” Tell Him you really want to move beyond your current state, and that you want to fly.
2. Confess Your Fears and Excuses for Remaining Grounded.
Afraid of falling, or worse, afraid of failing? Not strong enough! Not smart enough! Too old! Too young! “Flying” is too risky! Don’t like surprises! Sometimes listing our fears and excuses in black and white helps us connect visually with what really makes us fearful. In one particular season of my life, I allowed fear of failure to keep me grounded. In still another season, I encountered a fear of success. But when I examined those fears through God’s microscope, I saw them reduced to a minute and workable size.
3. Be Willing to Move Beyond Your Comfort Zone.
You’ve always done it this way? Try a different approach. Stretch yourself. Trust God more. Worry less. Challenge yourself in small ways if necessary, and reward yourself for every accomplishment, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you. When He knows you want to give Him the glory, God wants you to succeed! In church ministry through the years, God stretched me by allowing me to teach in various age groups. Ultimately, I discovered the one that fit the most, but God taught me much about trusting Him when I was willing to try something new.
4. Consider the Alternative
You can stay where you are and never take a risk, but you might miss the adventure God has planned for you. God never asks us to take impossible risks on our own. Abram (Abraham) left everything familiar to travel to an unknown destination (Genesis 12) that God would show him. But the adventure was God’s idea, not Abram’s. And it required a constant trust in God’s ability to lead–and that what God had promised would ultimately materialize. A son in his 90s? Impossible, but not to God. Abraham’s obedience to “fly” with wings of faith resulted ultimately in blessing for us as faith believers, too. But what if he hadn’t obeyed?
What blessings will me miss out on because we refuse to trust God, or because we’re too fearful to obey His voice?
5. Ask Yourself: What’s the Worst Thing That Could Happen to Me?
When accepting a new writing challenge, I sometimes ask myself this question–and then answer it: ” I could fail; or I could be called foolish. Some might laugh at my attempts. I could net a ton of rejections; and it might be too hard.” For years it felt “safe” for me to write only greeting cards, magazine articles, and other shorter, inspirational pieces. I could do it easily and earn a decent income, but I always wanted to write a book. My choice? Stay where it was familiar, or branch out and try to “fly.” After authoring, coauthoring, and contributing to over 20 books, I am still enjoying that adventure God has allowed. I still write other inspirational things, but I would never have added “author” to my resume had I not been willing to stretch my wings.
6. Identify What Flying Means to You
Do you want bolder faith? To take a risk and tell a friend about Jesus? Would you like to teach a class or age you’ve never tried before? Want to attempt a new vocation, or try a new business? Maybe you want to start a new ministry, or even love a difficult relative? Speak up for justice, or go on a mission trip? Overcome a debilitating habit? Grow deeper spiritually?
One of the most beautiful truths about being God’s child is the realization that we can find wings even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Whatever spiritual freedom means to you, God wants you to abandon your fear of flying and to spread your wings and “fly.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) gives us a great promise:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run ad not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Like a mother eagle, God may have to push us toward the edge of our comfy nests to get us ready to fly. And like baby eaglets we may resist, fearing the flight. But just like the eagle, our faithful Father watches and waits nearby to catch us until we can fly on our own (Deuteronomy 32:11).
Our job? Wait on Him; listen for His voice; and watch for His “nudge.” The freedom is in the trusting.
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, what a wonderful and patient Father You are. Grant us the spiritual freedom to know You more deeply. We confess our doubts, our fear of flying, and our hesitancy to trust You more. We wait on You, Lord. Help us to be sensitive enough to feel the nudge of Your Spirit. We long to soar on spiritual wings like eagles and experience all that You have planned for Your children.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
What about you? What’s keeping you from spreading your wings and flying? How has God helped you to overcome your fear of flying and to find your “wings?”I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then the e-mail will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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