You want me to do what? Produce a magazine four times a year?  

I had no experience in magazines, printing, ad design, selling advertising, much less any thoughts about a media kit, cover designs, bleeds or ad specs. I was a freelance writer. I knew how to type words in a word document and send it to the newspaper or magazine, but to actually come up with a complete magazine, nope, not for me.

I knew I couldn’t come up with editorial content that anyone wanted to read.

I knew I would never be able to sell advertising or come up with a reason why someone should advertise. I knew I would never have the time to sell, write, edit and hire a designer, who was I fooling? Or better yet, what was God thinking?

My first reaction to any challenge is fear. Fear of failure, fear of not knowing what I need to know and fear of people being disappointed in me. I know I’m not alone, but when I’m sitting in my office and there is no one there to pat me on the back or to brainstorm ideas with, the loneliness sets in, and the fear factor rises.

While fear may be a real feeling, the fact is, God has equipped each one of us to perform the challenge that is set before us. If we are managing a farm, taking care of people, or making financial decisions, God knows we are capable. If we own a business, 10,000 acres or rent an apartment and work at the local retail store, God knows the level of responsibility that we can handle.

He knows how much we can manage, how well we can perform and how far we can be pushed to accomplish His plans. He not only knows, but He also expects us to steward the resources he gives us. We may be in charge of our earthly responsibilities, but He expects stewardship. And when you have a God who owns it all and He also equips us with the ability to take care of his gifts, then there is no excuse or reason to retreat in fear.

Whatever your facing, whatever decision you are making, remember that you were not gifted with a spirit of fear, but you were given a sound mind and He expects you to use it for your good and His glory.