Fearless

I remember a time in which, when I look back now, I can only describe myself as “timid”. I’m not exactly sure when this trait appeared but somewhere along the line, I began to retreat and give in to fear. I didn’t want to stand out too much to avoid criticism from people; I dreaded speaking in front of others for fear of slipping up and humiliating myself, I was even scared to ask questions in case I looked foolish. If something was out of my comfort zone I’d try everything in my power to avoid it until the last moment and if I still couldn’t escape it I would make sure to do the bare minimum. I was so terrified of being embarrassed, of coming off differently from what I intended and making people feel awkward around me. Looking back now I see that I was controlled by dread and apprehension - thank God my eyes were opened and I realised that the more I let these worries run rampant in my heart and mind the more they began to paralyse me and dictate my life.

2 Timothy 1:7 is one of my favourite verses and one I quote often, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear is a spirit, and like all evil spirits, if left unattended it begins to grow rapidly until you can’t even recognise it. This verse clearly states that fear is not a spirit from God it is the complete opposite of the blessings God has given us, namely power, love and a sound mind. God didn’t create us to be timid creatures but to live life emboldened by His Spirit. By nature, when we are afraid our instinct is to run and hide, hoping that eventually, our fears will subside. Living by the Spirit gives us the strength to, instead, face these fears and defeat them. When you believe God’s promises and act in faith, knowing that you have power over all evil and the ability to live in peace even throughout the storm, the fears that used to assail you will instead turn and flee from you.

It is only until you trust God enough to dive headfirst into His purpose for you that you will ever be free. When you confront your fears, relying on the Holy Spirit to embolden you, they will begin to subside and as Philippians says, “… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7(NIV) However, this can only happen if you are willing to quit running from the things that frighten you; I encourage you to stop running away and face whatever you need to head-on with the power of God. He is the only one capable of eradicating fear. There is no reason why you, made in the image of the Almighty, granted good judgement and mental fortitude in all things should ever need to run from the devil’s facades. We know that we have “...authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy…” Luke 10:19 (NIV) We need not be afraid of the enemy’s fruitless deception.

Believe from today that you have been given all you need to triumph over your fears and resolve to stop letting them control you and determine your actions. You are more than a conqueror and all things are possible if only you believe in the LORD’s promises. Turn away from the doubts in your mind and tune into the truth that God has for you; in Jesus’ name, He will give you success in every endeavour that’s in alignment with His will.