5. - Called But Scared. - (PBC@05).

Send us a text https://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/The journey of faith is rarely straightforward, and the tension between divine calling and human fear stands as one of its most profound paradoxes. In this deeply encouraging podcast, Pastor Ben Cooper explores the liberating truth found in Luke 1:30-33, where fear doesn"t disqualify us from our purpose; it affirms that we"re human. When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, announcing that she would bear the Savior of the world, her immediate reaction was fear. But God"s response was clear: "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." This pivotal moment in Scripture reveals an essential truth about the Christian journey: fear and calling often coexist. Fear does not signify spiritual failure or a misunderstanding of God’s purpose for our lives. On the contrary, it often highlights our humanity and our dependence on God. When we look at biblical characters such as Moses, Gideon, and even Jesus Himself, we see that they, too, wrestled with fear when faced with divine assignments. It was not their fearlessness that set them apart, but their willingness to remain faithful despite their fears. Many believers today experience the same fear when answering God"s call, whether it"s stepping into church leadership, sharing the gospel in a secular world, or simply following Christ more closely. For some, the fear of the unknown or of being judged by society can be overwhelming. However, the presence of fear does not invalidate our calling. Just as faith and fear can coexist in the same spiritual soil, obedience to God"s Word in the face of fear can lead to powerful transformation. The Paradox of Fear and Faith In Matthew 14:29-30, the story of Peter walking on water provides a profound lesson for believers. Peter successfully walked on water when he focused on Jesus, but as soon as he became distracted by the storm, he began to sink. This powerful metaphor teaches us that while faith in God is essential, fear will often try to distract us from the path ahead. The question is not whether we will face fear, but whether we will keep our eyes on Christ through the storm. The ability to overcome fear is closely tied to where we place our focus. Fear only has power when we allow it to overshadow our trust in God. Divine intervention occurs when we recognize that God’s plans for us are far greater than our human limitations. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Stepping into Your Purpose The more daunting the calling, the greater the faith required. If you could accomplish your divine mission through your own strength, it wouldn’t require God’s supernatural intervention. Whether you"re called to ministry, a mission field, or to serve your community, the first step in embracing your calling is acknowledging that God equips the called, even when fear tries to paralyze us. Are you afraid but called? You are not alone. Every believer who has answered God’s call—whether it’s to serve, speak, or act—has experienced moments of doubt and fear. Yet, as Mary found, and as the Bible shows us through countless examples, God’s response to our fear is one of reassurance and favor. Take heart: God does not call the equipped, but equips the called. Faith overcomes fear when we trust in God’s ability to do the impossible. Remember, fear does not disqualify you; it is often the v Support the show https://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/