Do it afraid! That phrase has been used a lot over the past several years. I found myself using it pretty often. As a matter of fact, it was my motto for most of the pandemic years (2020 -2022). I wrote a blog post about it. I think I called it DO IT AFRAID!! If you go back and read my past posts, you may find it. I choose not to delete it because it only shows my growth over the years as I grow my relationship with God. However, I will admit, it helped me push through things I would have normally talked myself out of. But as of lately, God has been dealing with me and the spirit of fear. What He has been revealing to me is the idea that fear is not of Him, so maybe we should stop saying, “Do it afraid!” but instead, meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Many well-known ministers have preached the “Do it afraid!” message so it is nothing anyone hasn’t heard. It sounds cute and empowering, and honestly, it definitely motivates us to just do whatever is in our hearts, but I also think it limits us and promotes unhealthy ways of thinking.
At some point, you have to stop doing it afraid and have FAITH that what it is that you are desiring to do, God has already gone before you and paved the way. Doing it afraid handicaps us by affirming our fears but not teaching us how to NOT be afraid. So, we live a life of fear which hinders us from growing in the confidence of God’s Word!! I know you are thinking, “But Alesha, I do get afraid! I am fearful!” And I am going to tell you, “Sure you are! I will not negate that.” However, what I will remind you is that fear is an emotion, and emotions are wishy-washy. They come and go, and we have to make the choice whether we are going to sit in them or move forward. Just because you feel it does not mean it is of God. See, the devil instills fear in you to keep you from doing the very thing that God has planned for you. Remember, God’s thoughts of you are of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). So if you know that, why walk in fear, or do it afraid? How about doing it in faith knowing that God’s got your back? I say this to you as I say this to myself.
The enemy is constantly telling me lies to make me fearful. When I am pursuing a goal or planning my future, he likes to make me feel inadequate and as if what I want to pursue is impossible. LIES!! Because the truth is, nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). So there is no reason, I should be doing anything afraid because God has already planned or me to prosper!!!
So whenever you get fearful, and find yourself motivating yourself by uttering the words, Do it Afraid, I challenge you to instead say, I will do this in faith for God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind!! Be blessed y’all.
Mommin'. Wife'n. Queenin'. 