Don’t Let Fear Keep You from God’s Vision
By Rick Warren
“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.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
