No, I'm not actually moving again . . .

at least not any time in the near future . . .

I'm back in the study Overcoming Fear this week,

and the topic of discussion is how we react to moves or transitions in our lives.

The author addresses this concept as follows:

"Even little 'moves' in life, like the move to a new career or promotion at work, the move to a new, deeper level of friendship, or the move to a new responsibility at church can raise the question What's going to happen?

"Any transition -- no matter how big or small -- is usually accompanied by a fear of uncertainty. If left unchecked, that fear can take root in your life and eventually make you want to avoid change. You can become resistant to new things, and worse resistant to the change God wants to do in your life, family, or community."

So, what happens next? How can we overcome the "what ifs," the unknowns, the transitions in our lives that leave us unnerved and paralyzed at times?

First, remember that you are not the first person to have ever been called to something new without being given all the details ahead of time.

• Read Genesis 6: 11-22; 8:14-22 for Noah's story

• Read Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-12 for Abraham's story

• Read Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 2:6-7 for Mary's story

I take comfort in these stories of faith and find they didn't have all the details before they were called to move forward into obedience. They agreed to do what they were called, regardless of the circumstances they might face or uncertainty along the way.

The author wraps up this lesson by referring to the key verse for the week:

Labels: brave, faith, fearless friday, freedom