Look Up, Girl!Sample

Fear: The Ultimate Influencer

A prisoner in her own home, she wasn’t allowed to leave, make plans, relax, laugh, smile. It was as if she had been kidnapped by an intruder and held without ransom. But there was no lock on the door. No threat. Nothing holding her back. Just fear. Fear alone.

Why are so many of us dealing with this? What are we scared of? Why is it so difficult to get out of bed, connect with others, and enjoy a “normal” day? If we could only see that most of the things we fear haven’t happened yet and probably won’t, we could move forward into the future that calls to us. But somehow our worries con­vince us of the worst, robbing us of the freedom we want and deserve.

Instead, we shift our attention to personalities we admire and live vicariously through them.

Who influences you? Is there a person or group of people that inspires you? Can you say for certain that you are lacking what they seem to have in abundance? Confidence is something that feeds on itself. The more confidence you project, the more influence you have. The greater influence you have, the more confidence you get. There is nothing mysterious about it—it is simply vanity at its finest.

But you are more than that. You are every bit as capable of influencing others but in a fabulously faith­ filled way.

The Divine Planner of your day, week, month, year, life ­calendar, and precious Purpose doesn’t want you influenced by other human beings. Don’t allow fear to convince you to live someone else’s life. The Plan for your life is already in the Book. Read between the lines and see the truth—that there is nothing holding you back but you. Let God’s Truth influence all that you do, and with His Love and Inspiration, you will influence others.

To make an impact in this world takes a measure of boldness. Get up and get out. Shake off the dust of yes­terday. Be the Christ­like example that influences those around you.

Question

In all of the ways you influence those around you—for good or bad—which is the most important?

Prayer

Dear Lord, sometimes my fear gets in the way of my faith, so I look to others for inspiration. Still, I grow anxious and worried, unsure of how to break free. Thank You for reminding me that I am a close friend of the Most Famous Influencer in history, and in God’s Power, I can become a bold influencer for You. Amen.

References

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” —Rosa Parks