2 Timothy 1:7 for God does not give us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of sound mind.
For too many years, fear held me back from pursuing all I dreamed of. I studied hard, worked and lived responsibly. But I didn’t dare follow my dreams; instead, I lived a safe life, wrapped in a cocoon, determined not to stand out too much, good or bad.
No longer do I want to live that way. Do you? If so, is that truly what you want? If not, stand up. Be bold. No longer let your fears hold you back.
When we live IN Christ, we will not fear. As soon as any tiny inkling of fear trickles in, remind yourself that it is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Reject it. Turn it away.
I’m afraid of failing. I’m afraid of what people will think. I’m afraid I’m not good enough. I’m afraid that I’m so afraid.
Don’t be like I’ve been. Go for it all. Give it your best shot because your best is good enough. Your best can’t be measured by other people’s standards. That is false. Only God’s standards count, and by His, your best efforts are THE best.
Each day, I address the fears I may face for that day, and I remind myself of God’s Word and His answer to these fears:
- I don’t look nice enough (not pretty enough, bad hair day, rings under my eyes, too fat, too thin- you get the picture).
But God says – You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7
- I’m not smart enough.
But God says – I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. Daniel 5:14
- I can’t make it financially.
But God says – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
- I’m too busy and too tired.
But God says – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
- I’m worried and anxious.
But God says – Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Luke 12:25
- I can’t get along with my coworkers.
But God says – But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:39-42
- I’m unsure of my path.
But God says – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
No matter our fears, God has the answer. Look inside and find Him. Keep your eyes on what is unseen as what is seen is temporary. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
One of my friends who attends bible study with me told our group about a billboard she saw years ago which encouraged her to pursue all her dreams. It said, “Imagine what you could do if you could not fail. Love, God.”
What if we did live our lives like that? If we had no fear of failure, no fear of what others think of us, no fear of earthly matters?
If God is for us, who is against us? What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Seek God first before fear grabs a hold of you. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Think about that billboard that changed my friend’s life. How can it apply to you? What could YOU do if you could not fail?
Want to remember this? Post 7 Daily Fears We Face and God’s Answers to Them to your favorite Pinterest board!
Jessica M says
I really needed to see this today – thank you
Julie Pfeifer says
I will say a prayer for you today. God bless!