Faith Over Fear in the Empty Nest

Do you get stuck in fear, paralyzed unable to pursue a dream God has placed on your heart? Once our children are grown, we have the opportunity to pursue our passion, to make a difference, and to use our life experience to benefit others. Most women will not step into something new because of fear. But this is the season to be courageous.

I can remember when I stood at the crossroads as fear welled within. Would I say “yes” or “no” to what God called me to complete, or would I shrink back in panic never to pursue the dream? God invited me to a project: an audacious, meaningful plan that would take me months to build. This was all on me.  When I finished the training, I was equipped to tackle the project. The only thing standing in the way was fear and doubt.

Questions swirled in my mind:

• Could I actually do it?
• Did I have the skills, passion, and drive to complete it?
• Could I overcome all obstacles?
• Could I bear the brunt of spiritual warfare attached to my project?
• Would I exercise my faith?
• Could I settle my shaky knees and fluttering tummy?
• Would God prove faithful?
• Would I persevere through struggles?

I had a decision to make. Would I allow anxiety to keep me from pursuing a dream or would I move forward in spite of my fear? Could I make progress while still feeling the dread? Yes, I could!

How about you? Let me ask you the question from the beginning: Do you get stuck in fear, paralyzed unable to pursue a dream God has placed on your heart?

Here’s the good news. We don’t do brave things alone. We are infused with the power of God as He enables us to do the work. His blessing is upon us. He’s calling us to move. Our job is to believe He will equip us. Second Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

God is the source of everything and He is the provider. He provides everything we need. Every good work He calls us to, He equips us for. Isn’t that amazing?

Jennifer Alwood in her book, Fear Isn’t the Boss of Me! wrote, “When God has put something big on your heart, something you need to get unstuck to pursue, you don’t need to feel confident to do it. You may not feel qualified, but you can be confident in the One who did the asking.”

We aren’t confident in ourselves. Instead, we are assured God will work through us in spite of our feelings. He is the Great One and our job is to rely on Him to provide for us.

Why Faith Over Fear Works

He gives you a fresh purpose.

God has a fresh purpose for your life now that your kids are grown.Your job is to get curious about His good plans for this season of your life. As God awakens your heart to possibilities, this becomes the catalyst to conquer your fears. On the other side of angst, you’ll find deep fulfillment and purpose. This is a time to be open-hearted and ask God what He has for you.

He helps you move forward despite your fear.

If you’re waiting for the feelings of dread to disappear, you’ll never move forward. You can do the work in spite of your apprehension. We have the notion that we will be fearless, that the fear will be removed. It won’t. Instead you move through the fear, not past it. As you take the steps, courage will well within propelling you to continue.

He will grow your faith by leading you through fear.

Every time you conquer your fears, you will grow. Your self-esteem will rise as you conquer your limiting beliefs and your confidence in God will escalate as you determine with God all things are possible. Yes, growth is risky, painful, and challenging, but it is also good and a testament to God’s ability to transform us.

Imagine the possibilities God has for you on the other side of your doubt. As you lean into your relationship with God, He will equip you to move through your fears to find deep satisfaction. What are you waiting for?