“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
Have you ever battled with fear? Are you afraid of the future, stepping into your God-given calling, or are you constantly living on edge, fearing something bad might happen? Let’s be honest, fear is something we’ve all faced at one point or another.
The Oxford Dictionary defines fear as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” This can stem from trauma, bad experiences, or sudden changes in circumstances.
I know what it’s like to battle fear. Before starting my university degree in English Literature, I was consumed with worry about my future and whether I would ever amount to anything. My fear came from past failure, poor results in my GCSEs and A-levels which meant I was academically behind my peers, dropping out of my first university course in Business Studies, and becoming entangled in unhealthy relationships. I remember waking up most mornings with such a deep sense of dread that my heart would sink, and I’d feel completely empty inside. Is this something you can relate to?
Do Not Allow Fear To Limit You
Fear is debilitating. It can stop you from living the life God has planned for you because it starts to control your thoughts, which affects your actions. The Bible identifies fear as a spirit, (2 Timothy 1:7) one that does not come from God. Scripture also warns that fear brings torment (1 John 4:18), which can paralyse and discourage you.
We see how fear plays out in the story of Elijah in 1 Kings. After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah was threatened by Jezebel, who vowed to kill him. Despite being a prophet and a man of prayer, Elijah was so overwhelmed by fear that he fled. In his despair, he even prayed for God to take his life.
“And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.”
– 1 Kings 19:3
How often do we allow fear to discourage us to the point of abandoning our God-given calling? Like Elijah, you might feel overwhelmed, but God is faithful. He met Elijah in his place of fear, sustained him, and enabled him to fulfill his purpose.
“Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again.”
– 1 Kings 19:5-6
Elijah went on to leave a legacy and was even taken up to heaven. The same God who delivered Elijah will deliver you. Psalm 34 reminds us:
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.”
– Psalm 34:4
When you seek God, He hears you. He will meet you where you are and deliver you from fear.
Becoming Fearless
In the coming days, as part of this devotional series, I will share practical steps on how you can overcome fear and live fearlessly. God desires for you to prosper and fulfill your purpose.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Today, we ask that You cast out all fear from our lives in the name of Jesus. We rebuke every strategy of the enemy and declare that he has no authority over our mind, heart, spirit, or soul. Instead of fear, we choose to trust in You. We will not be anxious, but through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, we present our requests to You. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Stay blessed and encouraged,
Nkechi
xoxo
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