What would you do if you weren't afraid?

Jim wanted to start a business, but he was afraid. Afraid of what? Well, he might fail.

He wasn't an outgoing person, so his personality probably wasn't good enough. What if no one came to his establishment? He had never been in business before as the proprietor, just always an employee. He got cold feet and backed out. All because of fear.

Fear even sounds scary, doesn't it? Yet those four letters -- F-E-A-R -- attack everyone at one time or another. Until you learn how to discard the anxiety and apprehension that tell you that you can't do it, fear will keep you from accomplishing your heart's desires.

You will continually allow fear to tug at your soul. Then you become depressed and feel like a failure because you aren't doing what you want with your life.

I went back to school and obtained two degrees after my children were almost out of school.

Yes, I was afraid. I hadn't been to school since my first year of college. I then quit and became a bride and then a mother.

When I went back to school, you bet I was so scared I wouldn't be able to keep up, I actually dropped my first two classes before exam time.

I was afraid I might fail and be so embarrassed. Fear had reared its ugly head.

I never lost the desire to graduate from college with a degree. So, eventually, I summoned the courage to begin again. This time I persevered and made mostly A's. Yes, I was afraid and anxious, but I gritted my teeth, did a lot of praying and kept on.

Finally, I finished. By that time, I had gained enough confidence to believe for sure, I could do it!

By then, I had gained enough confidence to pursue and attain a master's degree.

Despite that little voice inside me, saying, "You'll never be able to do this," I stared it in the face and said, "Dare you stop me," and kept on. Yet it wasn't easy. Nothing worth having is ever easy.

Think of the wasted talent that goes unused and unrecognized in the world. All because of fear.

Why do you fail to try what you want, move to your desired location, attend school or apply for a job you want? It's all because of those four letters called FEAR.

You can always use someone to encourage you. That certainly helps, but you must be your own cheering team, which isn't always easy.

God has an answer for those succumbing to fear: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." (Timothy 1:7)

Some say, "I'm too old," or "I'm inexperienced." But don't you listen. Also, stay away from negative people, because they will increase you fear.

Teenagers, I think, particularly are prone to needing encouragement.

They are fearful they won't fit in. Their dress isn't right. Their nose is too long. Their teeth are crooked or their car is old and shabby, unlike the other kids at school, they think.

There are multitudes of things you can be fearful of. So if you do not work on your habit of fear, you will accomplish little.

It's important you realize how destructive fear can be. Isaiah offers another solution: "Tell everyone who is discouraged, be strong. Don't be afraid. God is coming to your rescue." (Isaiah 35:4)

Remember fear is not sent from God. It's a destructive vice.

Most things we call anxiety, worry, apprehension, concern and other such descriptive terms for the condition are because of fear.

You worry because you fear something is going to happen that is undesirable. So cast out your fear, and you will recognize yourself, your desires and your skills. You are more than you think.