Topic: Don’t Let Fear Keep You from God’s Vision [RICK WARREN Devotional 6 April 2021]
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Don’t Let Fear Keep You from God’s Vision
“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.”
Proverbs 29:25 (The Message)Anyone who has ever tried to do anything great has, at some point, come face-to-face with naysayers.
- When the Wright brothers tried to fly their first plane, people told them it would never work because humans can’t fly.
- When Moses led the Israelites across the desert, the people complained: “We’re going to die! We want to go back to Egypt!”
- When John F. Kennedy said the United States would send a man to the moon, many people said it could never be done.
If these people had let the naysayers discourage them, imagine where the world would be today! While some naysayers have evil plans, not all naysayers are bad people. Some may truly want what’s best for you. They may even love you.
But they’re not God.
So don’t treat their opinions like you would God’s opinions.
The Bible says, “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that” (Proverbs 29:25 The Message).
Some of you have been disabled by the opinions of others and you don’t even realize it. Others have become addicted to the approval of others.
But consider another translation of Proverbs 29:25: “It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe” (GNT).
Other people’s opinions can sidetrack you from God’s purpose for your life.
When you give more weight to the opinions of others than you do to God’s opinion, you stay on the sidelines when God wants you in the game. You stay locked up in a prison of self-made fear.
Don’t let that happen.
Let go of your fears and trust God’s vision for your life. He’s your biggest cheerleader. He wants you to succeed, and he’s working in your life so you will.
- How have you seen naysayers stop someone from following a dream?
- When have naysayers sidetracked you, or almost sidetracked you, from your purpose? What did you learn from that experience?
- Has God given you a dream or vision that you’ve neglected because of naysayers? How can you begin to pursue God’s vision this week?