While I enjoy hearing stories of successes that were born out of risks, I admit that it is not my strongest suit. Perhaps that’s why God brought it to my attention yet again. I was reading about Gideon in the book of Judges, and I realized that he is the very example of what “doing it afraid” looks like. On this one occasion, he (Gideon) had a conversation with God, who asked him to abolish the Baal altar and instead, erect an altar for Him. The demolition of the said altar was to be followed not only by the uplifting of another but also by a bull sacrifice on the new altar. Gideon chose to obey, but there was a catch.
The Bible indicates that Gideon was afraid of his family and the townspeople. It could only mean that the Baal altar was very sentimental to the people, enough for Gideon to be afraid of the repercussions thereof. So, instead of disobeying God, Gideon decided to follow His instructions, and do it afraid. His fear made him build the altar at night, rather than in the daytime (Judges 6:27). At this, one would imagine that things would go smoothly because it was God’s instruction, to begin with, right? Not so much! By the time the sun was up, the people noticed the demolished Baal altar and the new-built altar. Immediately they start inquiring among themselves to catch the culprit, and eventually, it all pointed to Gideon.
As I was reading this scripture, I was beginning to get really frustrated, wondering why God would let the people figure out that it was Gideon all along. Couldn’t He have covered Him up? Wasn’t this the perfect time to cause confusion among the people so they wouldn’t know it was Gideon? But no! Later, the people came rowdily at Gideon’s father demanding that his son die for his actions. Thankfully, his father was wise enough to calm the crowd from killing Gideon – thank God for wise fathers! Still, that didn’t stop the people from hating Gideon. In fact, they even gave him a nickname saying that Baal would contend with him – and that’s just Gideon!
But think about every other person that has done life afraid, whose story is not recorded in the Bible. In fact, take a look at all the Black people that have gone ahead of us, literally forging their crowns of greatness with blood. Think about how hard it must have been for the Black men and women to map out a path of success from scratch in a context and world where they were oppressed and unwelcome. How infuriating must it have been for their families when they tried to do things differently? Don’t you think they consistently had to pay the price of isolation and public humiliation? As a minority group, we must resonate with Gideon’s story, who was from the weakest clan and the least in his family, yet still had a purpose to fulfill. Some of those people died trying to make a difference. Some made it to mainstream media, but most did not. However, all of them left undeniable footprints that remain relevant in the world today – but it all came at a cost. Other than doing it afraid, there were many things they had to deal with afterward, the price one pays when they forge a path that few, if any at all, are willing to travel.
That’s why it’s absurd to think that because you do it afraid, there won’t be any consequences. Granted, consequences, despite their connotation, are not intrinsically bad or negative, they are simply effects. Ultimately, a risk is a risk whether you do it boldly or do it afraid. Even when God is the issuer of the instruction, it does not change the fact that you are taking a risk. The harsh truth is that you do not get to escape the consequences of taking a risk, simply because God said the word. If you have to move to a new city, there will be adjustments to make and thus, consequences. It’s the same thing when you have to quit your job for something different or end a relationship because God said so. THE PROCESS WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE, initally, but it is always for our benefit and refinement (James 1:4).
The logic behind it is that a ‘yes’ to God is a ‘no’ to so many other things, and there are consequences to it. If you must do it afraid, I hope at the very core of your heart, you have the boldness to take what comes after your step or leap of faith. You cannot escape the tainting of your reputation in the eyes of some people. You cannot escape being the ‘uncool’ friend in your long-term circle of friends. Your yes may even bear harsher realities than was the case for Gideon, even though it was all in obedience to God. However, your confidence in Who you are giving your yes to can never waver.
The only difference with ‘doing it afraid with God’ is exactly that – you will be doing it with God! There is a Supernatural covering over your life that will not only help you get through the doing part but will also give you the courage to keep your head high through the consequences of your yes. Sometimes, it is not so much that things begin to work out immediately, but that you have peace even in the face of chaotic moments (Phillipians 4:6).
When you have time, I implore you to read all about Gideon in Judges chapters 6 and 7. You will learn that Gideon’s plight, as well as how his success began with his first yes, making him the very opposite of a sight for sore eyes. The rest of his story is of victories, and he remains one of the acclaimed judges and warriors in Israel, saving the people from the hand of the Midianites.
In the end, fear never wins! As long as your yes is to God first, it only matters that you did it. After your first yes, you will not have to do it so afraid anymore. Perhaps you will need a few signs from God like Gideon did – but ultimately, your faith in God will have matured enough to trust that you made the right call when you first said yes. So, yes! I encourage you to do it afraid. I encourage you to say yes to God’s call. Still, I inform you that it will have consequences you may not like or did not even anticipate. It won’t mean that God isn’t with you – it will only expose the weight of your yes to people around you and to yourself. But when the Lord is with you, you are indeed a mighty warrior!
