Q. I am painfully shy and extremely unhappy. I’m afraid to do almost anything because of the fear that I might fail. Can you please help me?

A. While I know nothing about your background or the reason why you are in this present situation, let me recommend some steps that I believe you will find helpful.

First, you must fully believe and practice the fact that your self-worth has nothing to do with your success in doing anything. The self-worth of every individual is established upon what God has done for him or her through Jesus Christ. “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned... how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:10,12,15 NIV). Through God you are of infinite worth, He sent Jesus to die for you and that is the value that He has placed on your life.

Second, God understands better than anyone the strengths and weaknesses, the potentials and limitations of each one of us, and He will bless us accordingly. It is not important how well you do, but it is important how well you respond to Christ. Don’t compare yourself with anyone, but just ask Jesus everyday to be your strength and your blessing. Thank Him for every success He gives and even when it appears that you have failed, thank Him because in reality there is no failure for those who are allowing Jesus full possession of their minds.

Third, against your natural inclinations, move out to be friendly to others, to help others. You may be afraid of rejection, but remember, if they reject you it has nothing to do with you; that is their problem. All God wants is that we move out in love for Him. It will take time, but practice the presence of Jesus every moment of your life and you will be surprised how much more successful you will be and how much more others will respond to the love that you extend to them.

Vol.5 No.4

Q. Sometimes I am fearful about the future. What can I do?

A. Is Jesus true? Does He mean what He says? Answer decidedly. Yes, every word. Then if you have settled this, by faith claim every promise that He has made, and receive the blessing; for this acceptance of faith gives life to the soul. You may believe that Jesus is true to you, even though you feel yourself to be the weakest,and most unworthy of His children. Fear will flee. Peace and joy comes to.all who take God at His word. He loves you with a love beyond measure. Believe this. Look to Him and live. Think -of how Jesus feels when -we distrust Him. His heart is hurt because He has given unmistakable evidence of His love. Here's one of my favorite promises (Isaiah 41:10): "'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will -help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.