I was walking through a quaint village on a warm beautiful
day. I eventually came upon the town
center and noticed there were several ornate staircases that seem to lead to
nowhere. They were beautifully carved
and looked like grand staircases out of mansions. They looked so inviting, and being curious to
where they led, I picked one and started up.
After a while I noticed the stair had changed. What was once wood and carpet it was now grey
metal. The steps seemed out of
proportion and farther apart. What used to be solid, you could now see between
each step and the railing was just a metal bar.
It was terrifying because I could see how high up I was and felt very
insecure as I struggled to get up each step.
I kept going however and soon reached a point where I saw a black metal
and pipe platform. Standing on the
platform were 4-6 people laughing, pointing, and enjoying the view. I started to go up not realizing at first
that I was now climbing a ladder with nothing between me and empty space. Too scared to go any further, I went back
down the ladder, down the metal stairs, unto the carpeted wood, and on to solid
ground.
Frustrated with myself, I decided to try another
staircase. The same thing happened
except I didn’t even get on the ladder.
I looked up at the platform and the brave people enjoying themselves and
I thought to myself, “The risk is not worth it.
I am going back down.”
When I got back to the ground, I looked around and noticed
there were more staircases and words above each one. The words represented things that described
purpose, importance, and meaningful pursuits.
As I looked at each one I decided that if I was going to climb one of
those staircases to the platform at the very top, I wanted it to be worth
fighting the fear of the struggle and risk of life. With determination in my steps, I chose one and started climbing.
Obviously, this is not a true story, but a dream I had. When I woke up, I
couldn’t get it out of my head. When
that happens, it’s time to have a conversation with God, because this doesn’t
happen very often and He is probably trying to tell me something.
What stood out most to me was that every time I got to the
top, fear kept me from getting to my goal.
I would persevere through the struggle, fight my anxieties, and then get
to the last level only to have fear beat me down to the ground again. I believe God was telling me that there have
been times when He has given me opportunities that would bring me joy and
fulfillment in Him, only to give in to fear and miss out. I don’t know if I made it to the very top of
the last staircase or not because I woke up.
That dream made me wonder how many times I have missed out
on something divinely glorious because of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,
but gives us power,” and Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will
be with you wherever you go.”
To not fear is a command from God. Not a suggestion or a nice
idea, but a command. He knows we can do
it because He has given us all we need to obey. “The LORD is my light and my
salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom
shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
I hope that if I had been able to see to the end of my dream
that I made it up to the top looking out and experiencing the wonderful view
that God intended for me. I imagine
glorious vistas, the feeling of accomplishment, closeness to my Father, and
fulfilled purpose as I stand with the few who managed to conquer their fears
with me.
How about you? Do
you, like me, sometimes let fear determine whether or not to pursue something
you believe God wants you to pursue?
From now on, when I come across a “staircase” of possibility
and am afraid to go up I will put my trust in God. In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and will not afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4) Why don’t you come with
me? I’ve heard the view is glorious!
Fearlessly climbing staircases of glorious destiny with you,
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
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