God-sized Dreams

Where Dreams Set Sail

  • Home
  • The Dream
    • The Beginning
    • Videos
  • Meet The Sailors
  • Resources
  • Contact
    • Guest Post Submissions
  • Shop

Overcoming Fear with the Torch of Truth

April 10, 2017 By Michele Morin 43 Comments

Torch of Truth

The road out of Jericho was always well-traveled, but Bartimaeus could sense something different in the air. Just as the angle of the hot sun on the back of his neck told him the time of day, the buzz of the crowd, the whispered excitement, and the press of bodies told him the truth that his ruined eyes could not — something was stirring.

Slowly, he pieced together the scene: a Healer, a Miracle Worker named Jesus was heading his way, and the word on the street . . .? This Teacher just might be the promised Messiah.

A seasoned beggar, Bartimaeus waited until just the right moment and then poured every possible ounce of drama into his anguished plea:

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” he howled.

“Pipe down, Bartimaeus,” hissed the embarrassed townspeople, but the blind beggar called out all the louder.

In this encounter of a life time, Bartimaeus put all that he knew about Jesus into his heart’s cry, for he had a huge and impossible dream. Bartimaeus wanted to see, and he boldly broadcast his deep and urgent need to the only One in the universe who could help him.

Saying our dreams out loud can be intimidating — even frightening.

It feels vulnerable.

Exposed.

It’s easy to allow the sheer size of a dream to muzzle our cry for help – to overwhelm us with fear.

Click To Tweet

Whether it’s a career goal, a longing for intimacy, a desire for a child, or an avenue of service to God that won’t stop calling our name, it’s easy to allow the sheer size of the dream to muzzle our cry for help and to overwhelm us with fear.

Courage and Strength from an Upholding God

As a young woman, I believed that God was calling me to teach the Bible, and so I volunteered for a summer ministry that landed me in front of a crowd of rowdy kids with nothing in my trembling hands but my Bible and a few flash cards. Thinking that preparation — knowing my material inside out – would chase away the terror, I studied hard with a pounding heart.

One evening, my team leader flipped the pages of my Bible away from the story of blind Bartimaeus and into the book of Isaiah, handing me a torch of Truth that re-ignites even today whenever I sit around a circle of women with open Bibles:

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

That young woman who hid behind her long hair and struggled to make eye contact with the world still finds her way back into my head sometimes. When I’m standing at a microphone, or preparing to click on “publish,” or leading a stressful meeting, I’m tempted to be still, to shut down, and to believe the lie that my words don’t matter — that I am, somehow, unqualified.

When fear threatens to extract all the air from my dreams, I’m thankful for the courage and strength that come from an upholding God. Mustering every fragment of truth that I can remember about Him, I release my dream to His care, and I hear the Spirit gently whispering:

Would you rather give in to the fear and miss this opportunity?

Have you forgotten that I am the God who says, “What do you want me to do for you?”

In the light of this blazing truth, may we answer God’s omnipotence with a trust that cries out, fearless.

By grace, may we let our fear drive us to the One who casts out all fear.

Shared by Michele Morin

                                               

dreamtogether-linkup

An InLinkz Link-up


Related

Filed Under: Fears Tossing Your Dream

[sharethis]

Avatar

About Michele Morin

Michele is a teacher, blogger, reader, and gardener who finds joy in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for nearly 27 years, and their four children are growing up at an alarming rate. Nonetheless, two teens still remain at home, and along with an incorrigible St. Bernard, they laugh together, make messes, clean them up, and then start all over again. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” Connect with Michele on Facebook, Twitter, or blog.

Comments

  1. AvatarIfeoma Samuel says

    April 10, 2017 at 4:51 am

    Oh yes, Michele!
    Sometimes fear holds our tongues back from declaring our dreams…. Fear of what people would say. Yes some might think us unqualified for it but God…
    Thank God for Courage we have through Him to press on.
    God bless you friend

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:10 am

      I’m so grateful for Isaiah’s reassurance that we are strengthened and upheld, even in our dreaming. And it’s great, Ifeoma, to be in community with supportive friends as well!

      Reply
      • AvatarIfeoma Samuel says

        April 11, 2017 at 5:08 pm

        Yes yes. …
        I couldn’t agree more.
        Hugs friend

        Reply
  2. LesleyLesley says

    April 10, 2017 at 6:12 am

    I agree, it’s easy to hold back at times from sharing our dreams, or for those old fears to creep back in, telling us we have nothing to say or no-one wants to listen. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favourite verses. It’s so reassuring to remember that God is with us and will uphold us, and I’m glad we can encourage one another with this truth.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:11 am

      It’s so important to let what we know about God inform our feelings and our fears. Your words, so often, have been an encouragement to me — and to others. Standing with you, Lesley, in saying no to fear and yes to God.

      Reply
  3. Avatarsherrylynnstahl says

    April 10, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Michele,
    Knowing that HE is upholding me makes my GOD SIZED DREAM somehow seem possible. Thanks for sharing from your hear Michele!
    Praying you continually seek after the God-sized dreams. DREAM BIG!!!
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Seeking after Him and trusting His promises because they are rooted in His character (and not in my worthiness), I cherish your fellowship in this following life, Sherry.
      Thanks for reading and for taking time to comment.

      Reply
  4. AvatarAlice says

    April 10, 2017 at 7:29 am

    Dear Michele, thank you for sharing God’s torch of truth. And for introducing me to this website. When I retired to begin answering God’s call to write, my daughter gave Holley’s God-sized dream book. What a game-changer! Prayers for encouragement and a loud, confident voice as you answer God’s call.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Thanks, Alice for mentioning Holley’s book. And thank you for your prayers. We have such a powerful message — may God give us courage to deliver it with confidence and enthusiasm.

      Reply
  5. AvatarDiana says

    April 10, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Michele, you and I are definitely sisters when it comes to feeling tempted to shut down and believer our words from the Lord don’t matter. Great lesson to learn from the blind Bartimaeus to muzzle through the crowd and call out to Jesus. He was not intimated by the crowd for the ONE who created him was powerful than the crowd.

    The great I AM casts out our every fear to boldly proclaim HIS Word

    Diana, your neighbor from #MomentofHope

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:13 am

      It’s so natural to pull back and shut down when we feel threatened or small, but God urges us (through the example of Bartimaeus and others as well) to come to Him desperate — so aware of our need of His help that we don’t care how it appears to others. Thanks for these words about the Great I AM who casts out fear.

      Reply
  6. AvatarJoanne Viola (@JViola79) says

    April 10, 2017 at 10:47 am

    This was a powerful lesson to be reminded of from Bartimaeus. I do allow myself to shut down at times. But if my desire is for the Lord to fulfill all His purposes in my life, may I call out to Him and not permit the enemy to silence me. Thank you, Michele, for these precious thoughts today! And may I say, I am so glad that you have been brave as your writing has touched me!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 11:18 am

      Thank you, Joanne. I want to continue to persevere in courage, and I can’t even count all the blessings I would have missed if I had chosen to play it safe and quiet. Even so, I know you are also aware that it’s a daily choice, and that every time we write, we risk because we share a bit more of the story that is us. I know that I’ve also been blessed by yours!

      Reply
  7. Avatarnylse says

    April 10, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    When I’m standing at a microphone, or preparing to click on “publish,” or leading a stressful meeting, I’m tempted to be still, to shut down, and to believe the lie that my words don’t matter — that I am, somehow, unqualified.<—- I felt like that last night as I wrote but then I remembered God placed this dream in my heart and it won't always be smooth sailing.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      It’s so good to know that there are others out there who are going through the same process: hear, tremble, obey, repeat.
      And when the sailing is rough it sure helps to remember where the dream came from in the first place.

      Reply
  8. Avatarjerushaagen says

    April 10, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    I love Isaiah 41:10! Such tremendous fear-fighting encouragement in God’s promise to strengthen and uphold us. You’re so right, Michele, we can beat our fears by remembering the truth of God. Thanks for this reminder of His truth today!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 10, 2017 at 10:34 pm

      So important to stay close to the truth. We feed our fears with lies that whisper their way into our hearts and our brains. I need the truth in front of my eyes to keep a right perspective.

      Reply
  9. AvatarTiffineyHolmes says

    April 10, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    Hi Michelle! I so appreciate the way you brought blind Bartimaeus’ life to LIFE. It was nice getting insight on the life of another person in the Bible. Thanks for this post on overcoming fear. Have a blessed week!

    Tiffiney
    WelcomeHomeMinistry.com

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 11, 2017 at 7:28 am

      When we read between the lines in these spare and economically worded stories, there is so much energy and emotion there! As long as we stay true to the text, I think God delights in our reading the Word and placing ourselves right in the midst of the action so that we can enter into the whole story.
      Thanks, Tiffiney, for reading! It’s always good to get your input.

      Reply
  10. Avatarmareedee2016 says

    April 10, 2017 at 11:44 pm

    Michelle — Loved this post and the timing could be better as I prepare for a presentation next week. I will hold to the verses
    Fear not, for I am with you;
    Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you,
    Yes, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
    Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 11, 2017 at 7:29 am

      So excited for you!
      The Lord bless you as you faithfully share His Word with thirsty souls. And may you find that your own soul-thirst is quenched in the study and that your heart is encouraged in the presentation of Truth!

      Reply
  11. Avatarcarol525 says

    April 11, 2017 at 12:02 am

    Love this!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 11, 2017 at 7:31 am

      So glad you do! And may you sense God’s upholding hand as you move forward, fearless.

      Reply
  12. AvatarJeanne Takenaka says

    April 11, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    Michele, wow! I think this is the second or third post I’ve come across about fear . . . today. I think maybe, just maybe, God is telling me something about fear. 🙂 I loved your post and how you brought Bartimeus to life for me. Thank you for your exhortations!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 11, 2017 at 5:38 pm

      Don’t you just love it when you read something and think . . . “Hmm, is God trying to tell me something here?”
      And then you find it again.
      And again.
      I always think it is so good of Him to make it clear for me. I am a slow learner. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Avatardebwilson2 says

    April 12, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Michele, I have Isaiah 41:10 framed where I can see it. Fear of not being good enough has held me back from stepping out too many times. I dream of being fearless to explore new things without fear of failure.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      Me, too, Debbie, but in the meantime, when we persevere in spite of the fear, we put the power of God on display. Thanks for faithfully sharing your journey with Him, and for encouraging so many in the process.

      Reply
  14. AvatarLyli @lylidunbar.com says

    April 12, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    Michele, your words here deeply encouraged me today. Bless you, my friend. xo

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 12, 2017 at 8:07 pm

      What a gift that you let me know, Lyli!
      I’m thankful for you and for your soldierly commitment to the fearless following!

      Reply
  15. AvatarLois Flowers says

    April 13, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Beautiful, Michele. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses … what an amazing thought that God upholds us in His righteous right hand. Not because we deserve it or are qualified in any way, but simply because He loves us. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to trace your journey from teaching a bunch of rowdy kids to sharing your words with women across the Internet? 🙂

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 13, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Yes, His upholding is just like His new mercies every morning! There, waiting for us, when we open our eyes each day. And if anyone had told that shy teen girl that one day her very favorite thing would be the sharing of words, I’m sure she would have been incredulous. God is amazing.

      Reply
  16. AvatarBrenda says

    April 13, 2017 at 11:10 am

    Yay, Michele. 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve continued to challenge the fear, because you’re such a sweet voice and clearly in your lane. 🙂 Love your term “upholding God.” ((xoxo))

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 13, 2017 at 12:08 pm

      Well, I love that phrase: ” . . . in your lane.”
      May we all find our lanes and glorify God there!

      Reply
  17. AvatarDonna Reidland says

    April 13, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    My high school graduating class will soon celebrate our 50th anniversary (I saw photos of some of them and I don’t know how they got so old! LOL) But I was reminded of just how shy I was and how amazed I am that God would see fit to use me at all! I’m so thankful for the dreams He puts into our hearts!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 14, 2017 at 5:59 am

      You, me, and Bartimaeus.
      Jesus changes everything.
      May your Easter be blessed, Donna!

      Reply
  18. Avatarpamecrement says

    April 14, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    Amen, Michele! I left my comments over on your website!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:35 pm

      Always good to know that you’ve been reading — and thanks for your encouragement, Pam!

      Reply
  19. AvatarDebbie Kitterman says

    April 17, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Michele – I hopped on over to finish reading your post. It was just as I expected – Powerfully anointed and challenging. Challenging in a good way – you challenge us to move past fear, and step out courageously in spite of feelings. I love your leader gave you the torch of truth that day. I love your writing and I am so glad to have you linking up with #TuneInThursday each week. Thanks for linking this post last week, and I look forward to seeing you later in the week.

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      Coming back from a bit of a break, and so happy to know that you were challenged by Bartimaeus’s life — he definitely encourages me to come to God desperate and to pour out the contents of my dreams in His presence.
      Every blessing to you!

      Reply
  20. AvatarSusan B Mead says

    April 27, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Amen and amen Michele. How powerful He is and how present He is too. Yet we forget, fail and fall, until we turn back to the truth of His Word. This is so beautifully written. Hugs!

    Reply
    • AvatarMichele Morin says

      April 27, 2017 at 7:27 pm

      Thank you, Susan. Isn’t it true that we write out of our struggles — and teach out of the areas where we’re learning and trusting. So thankful for the God who upholds us and helps us to hold onto our dreams in faith.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Overcoming Fear with the Torch of Truth – Living Our Days says:
    April 10, 2017 at 5:18 am

    […] love it if you would join me today over at God-sized Dreams, an on-line community where you can say your dream out loud and find the glorious encouragement of […]

    Reply
  2. Musings — April 2017 – Living Our Days says:
    May 1, 2017 at 5:02 am

    […] thankful for the courage and strength that come from an upholding God.  You can read more here about letting your fear drive you to the One who casts out all […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Follow on Pinterest

Set Sail With Us

Have God-Sized Dreams delivered to your inbox.


Categories

Fistbump Media University Learning Center

The Book

God-Sized-Dreams-by-Holley-Gerth-cover-662x1024
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No connected account.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.

Popular Posts

When your dream feels unanchored

When Your Dream Feels Unanchored

Becoming All God Created You To Be—One Dream At A Time

Social Justice IS Spiritual Warfare, but THAT wasn’t my Dream…

Copyright © 2020 God-Sized Dreams

Site Design by The Copper Anchor, New Season Design & Design by Insight