Norbert Elnar

Are You FEARFUL or FEARLESS about Your Future?

Have you ever felt niggles in your heart about what the future holds for you? Have you ever thought that even if people often say things will be fine, the level of uncertainty about the future is just too big to ignore? Maybe you worry or, worse, silently suffer anxiety from within when thinking about what’s to come for your family and yourself. Has the world of social media ever made you feel like everyone else is successful and enjoying their lives, yet you remain stagnant? Does it seem like time has passed you by and overlooked you? If any of these apply to you, my friends, you might be suffering from Chronophobia.

Chronophobia is defined as the persistent and often irrational fear of the future or the fear of passing time. Since time can be considered as a ‘specific object’, Chronophobia falls under the category of specific phobias. The word Chronophobia is derived from Greek 'chronos' meaning time and 'phobos' meaning fear.” (source: www.fearof.net)

You are not alone. Because we live in this broken world, I think security (financial, personal, relationship, etc.) is a big thing humans constantly struggle with. Two years ago, I never had any doubts about the “success” of my future. I had my dream job, lived comfortably, earned a decent amount of money, and had fairly healthy relationships with people. The fear of the future didn’t start creeping in until God challenged my heart and soul to leave my comfortable life and step into something unknown and uncertain.
The night before I flew to South Africa in early 2015, I remember crying so hard while talking to my pastor over the phone. My heart was just full of fear and anxiety. Most people might be excited to explore another country, but I felt the exact opposite. While I was on the plane and looking out over the skyline of Johannesburg, South Africa, I cried out to God and told him, “You better show up! This better be worth it…” Because God’s thoughts are higher than ours, I didn’t realize that stepping out in faith would change the direction of my life forever.

Allow me to take time to share with you my heart on how God used these last two years of interning at Hillsong Church South Africa to impact and change my life. Here are a few heart lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life:

“Oops! I thought I knew it all?!” - God honors the humble

Growing up, we’re often wired to believe in a certain type of status quo that defines our success. Our level of education or our economic and social status are often the variables used to measure progress. When I signed up to give a year of my life to build God’s kingdom, I thought I had it all. I thought I already had the necessary skill set and knowledge and that all I’d have to do is to add more value to the program and just “wing it.” I didn’t realize that I had a strong sense of spiritual arrogance creeping into my heart.

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11: 2 (NLT)

God taught me humility by breaking my heart for the things that break His. He placed me at the Hillsong Africa Foundation (HAF) where I served and honored the least and last of society. There, I realized that having a humble heart ushers in God’s wisdom. It was tough dealing with homeless people, vulnerable children, and various difficult situations, but the revelation of humility brought a sense of purpose and meaning into my heart.
“I’m a mess. Is that okay?”- God can use me

I used to try to fix my life when it felt so mundane and frustrating, but doing the internship with the intention of allowing God to fix me revealed all my insecurities. I discovered that I am nothing but a big mess. To be honest, I really felt bad about it, but God had to shine light in the dark areas of my life. I didn’t realize I had commitment, trust, communication, and physical insecurities that God had to point out for me to work on.

I was so quick to disqualify myself from opportunities and even blessings because of the spirit of inadequacy. However, through constant study of the Word and through doing life with fellow interns, God made me overcome these insecurities. We did Bible College on Tuesdays, and this is where I always felt convicted that God was turning my mess into a beautiful message. 

“I don’t like change!” – God brings change and joy in every season
The transition from corporate life to ministry life is no joke. In advertising, it’s all about my image (brand), but in ministry the “I” must die. It’s the opposite of the spectrum, as they say. I never realized how serious Jesus was when he said, “Follow me…” The internship made me do things that I never thought I would do in my life. Serving in areas such as car park, reception, and logistics may seem normal and easy to some, but to me they were torture. I was uncomfortable. I realized that I didn’t like to change, but once I embraced it and understood it’s for my growth, I began to enjoy it.

“Oh no I’m broke!”- God turns brokenness into blessings

Volunteering for two years meant that I had no steady income. I had never experienced a financial drought until I entered this season. Some might say it is stupid to volunteer because of this reason, but God used this time to teach me a life lesson– the importance of being solely dependent on HIM. Through this season, I experienced and witnessed supernatural miracles from the Lord. He provided for me every step of the way. When He calls you, He will grace you.

There were times I was really “broke,” but God always showed up at the right time and at the right place. This season taught me the value of generosity and giving. This also made me appreciate the value of receiving and caused me to acknowledge that everything comes from the Lord.

One time, I was surprised that my local church in the Philippines took a special offering to support me in my mission. I had a hard time accepting the money because I didn’t want to be perceived like I was struggling or begging. I thought I was a burden. But the Lord convicted me that I was just being prideful and that I shouldn’t rob people of their obedience in blessing others. This was one of His many ways of showing me that He cares.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needsfrom his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19 (NLT)


“I am NOT religious!” – God wants a real relationship not a religion

I really don’t like it when people describe me as “religious” because I am doing ministry work. It’s not their fault. I know what they mean, but they just use the wrong term. Dedicating my life to ministry made me understand that God wants to pursue a real relationship with us. Religion, on the other hand, teaches us to fix ourselves first before coming to God because we aren’t worthy of His presence. But who is perfect in the first place? None of us are. God’s love and grace is so great that He sent Jesus to die for us to reestablish that relationship with Him. Isn’t that amazing? John 3:16, one of the most well-known Bible verses, is now ingrained in my heart.

Relationship, not religion, is what God desires for us.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son,so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NLT)

“I love my culture!, but…” – God’s culture is all that matters

Being in a diverse and multi-cultural environment opened my eyes to the beauty of the world. It also made me appreciate my own culture and heritage. What fascinated me the most is that no culture is supreme to kingdom culture.

In God’s kingdom, your skin color, race, accent, and social status don’t really matter. God looks at the heart.


But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)


Every time we engage in worship, it is still a mystery to me that we all gather in the name of Jesus Christ. There is really no other name above His and there is power in His name. There is unity in the kingdom of God.
“ I want to look awesome!” – God’s temple must be honored

It’s not even funny. I used to have the most twisted thought that going to the gym was just for vanity. But then I realized that it is my responsibility to honor God with my physical body by treating it right.


Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT)


Being consistently active and always “on the go” stretched the capacity and limit of my body. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up by hanging on to my unhealthy habits of eating and making excuses. Doing something about my physical health was the only way I would be able to stay in it for the long term. I found out that the healthier I am, the more I enjoy doing my tasks and the more I am able to accomplish. Going to the gym or exercising regularly is a lifestyle commitment and is never easy, but the fruits of it are worth having.

“God! Why am I putting duct tape on the floor?” – God looks at our faithfulness.
“God! Why am I putting duct tape on the floor?” – God looks at our faithfulness.

“Duct Tape Ministry” is what I call it every time I need to make sure that all the electrical wires are hidden and that it is not hazardous for people to go to church. I used to hate it because I felt like I was too cool to do it. (Back in the day, I had people do it for me.) But this ministry taught me to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

During the second year of my internship, I took a course called Spirit-Filled Living. There, we learned a lot about the character, power, and presence of the Holy Ghost. It’s no wonder I always felt convicted when I wanted to complain about my duct tape ministry. The Holy Spirit kept on whispering in my ear to be faithful in the task I was given. God is the one who elevates us, and He does it when we are faithful in the small things.

Looking back, I am thankful for the times that I thought my task was insignificant. It is in those moments that you understand the big picture won’t make sense without the pixel of your contribution. Faithfulness matters to God. He honors it, and it is never left unseen. 

“Where’s the good in goodbye?!”- Godly friendships are eternal

I was blessed with good friendships even before I moved to South Africa. I thought that leaving my home country was the most difficult part of it all, but I was wrong. When people have accepted you and offered their hearts to you, the most difficult thing is to say goodbye to them when it is time to leave.

I formed incredible friendships during this season of my life. Friendships that are appointed by the choice of God are the ones you should keep, protect, nurture, and grow for the rest of your life. I found a lot of these in the communities and church locations that I served.

God never desired for us to walk this journey alone. He knows that in our own strength, we will fail - 100 percent. My internship leaders and fellow interns, HAF community, and Hillsong Church family were always there for me in good and bad days. God used them to comfort and manifest His presence as I walked the journey.
“God, what's next?” – God wants us to live by faith

In stepping into new seasons, whether they are completely new or maybe a little bit familiar, it is important to remember that we live by faith and not by sight. We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Doing two years of internship in South Africa gave me strength of character to rise above every challenge and situation. It didn’t just teach me important life skills. More importantly, it created in me a deeper appreciation and longing to walk with Christ and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.

I understand the importance of hearing from heaven about everything in my life. When we hear from God, what we see in the physical world doesn’t even matter much anymore. The art of living by faith is a constant walk with Jesus, echoing His heartbeat and making His message of love and hope tangible to every person I meet. My next season is where my Lord takes me.

If you are an intern reading this article, I hope that you will keep your focus on the track you are walking. God is going to do unusual things in your life as you answer His call. If you happen to read this article randomly, I pray that you are encouraged in whatever situation you are in right now. God is able to love and move you into the direction He wants to take you. The keys are trust and obedience. Trust that His ways are higher than ours. Obedience starts with a single step of faith.
I would like to thank pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley of Hillsong Church South Africa for their vision, leadership, and commitment to expand the kingdom of God. My heart is grateful to pastor Wendy Grages and her team for investing into our lives and making sure that we were nurtured and looked after during our journey. My deepest gratitude to Hillsong Africa Foundation’s Steffan and Marcy Van der Male for their strong leadership and for giving me an opportunity to discover the joy of serving and walk into my purpose and calling. To all the interns who did life with me and made a unique impact in my life, I am forever grateful. To my Irish brother and fellow intern Phil Mann, thank you for your selfless friendship and real brotherhood. To every volunteer and every heart that I served and encountered in South Africa, thank you for showing Jesus to me.

Chronophobia is real, but it’s all in our minds. God’s plan for our futures is a reality that we can step into. Whenever Jesus would address His disciples in critical times, He would always say, “Do not be afraid…” God knows that we are scared of the future. He wants us to realize that there’s nothing to be fearful about because He holds the future.

Are you still fearful about your future? 

(Article Beach Photos by Martin Cilliers)
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