Feeling Fear and Moving Beyond It
Five years ago, I was feeling fear. I was faced with the decision to start sharing my story of finding freedom on my healthy living journey.
I make notes in my Bible. Beside 2 Timothy 1:7, I have written “April 26, 2015 Tell Your Story.” This was the verse the Lord showed me when I saw “Tell Your Story” in lights on the church stage.
But, I was afraid.
I was afraid to share my story. Sharing it meant that I had to be vulnerable. Because I knew that if I answered the call, I would go all in. I didn’t want to change myself to become acceptable as an online presence. If I chose to obey this prompting, I knew I would have to share about my pride as well as the masks I wore to try to hide my insecurities.
And simply, I’m an introvert. (I was happy to have finished third in my high school senior class just so I didn’t have to make a speech at graduation.)
Getting in front of a group of people to teach fitness classes at the local health club had taken everything in me. How was I supposed to gather the courage to share a story to an unlimited amount of people who would potentially see it on social media?
But God’s Word to me at that moment was this: “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 (NKJV)
It’s the same word to you and me right now.
No matter where God has placed you or what He’s calling you to, He has given you power, love, and a sound mind.
If you’re feeling fear, that is not from God.
I believe that God has entrusted each of us with a calling and/or people in our lives. He wants us to do that thing, and love and serve those people, without fear. Or, maybe I should say in spite of the fear.
If you’re feeling fear, that is not from God. No matter where God has placed you or what He’s calling you to, He has given you power, love, and a sound mind. Click To Tweet
He gives us power through His Holy Spirit.
That same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is available to me and you.
He loves us, and His love is in us.
This love gives us confidence that we belong. And because of that love, our lives matter. We need to share how God changed us and how He can change others too. His love drives our behaviors.
When your thoughts settle, where do they land?
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV): “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
When our thoughts stray and when we feel unsettled, what is happening?
God provides peace and clarity.
He gives us purpose, purpose beyond earthly worries.
So as I faced that day on April 26, 2015, I felt fear. But then I was reminded with God’s Word that the fear I felt wasn’t from Him. At that moment, I had a choice to make. Would I hold onto the fear and allow it to hold me back, or would I seek God for power, love, and a sound mind?
Because I knew how much I needed the freedom God had gifted to me, I knew I had to move beyond fear and share that same message with others. (I’ve now worked with enough women to know that they don’t want to be bound to diets to feel good. They need that freedom!)
It simply started with a choice. A choice to answer the call of God, the prompting of His Holy Spirit.
And with each step forward, I had to lean into His Word and rely on His power, love, and clarity of mind.
Fear showed up, and has shown up, regularly along the way. Each time (sometimes daily!), I have to pause and remind myself that fear doesn’t come from God. And then I pray for the things He does give…power, love, and a sound mind.
Feeling fear doesn't have to stop you from doing what God has called you to do. He gives power, love, and sound mind. Click To Tweet
No matter what is causing fear in your life right now, it’s not from God. He is ready to bestow on you His power, love, and a sound mind.
Will you ask Him to take your fear and replace it with power, love, and a sound mind?
It may be a prayer you’ll need to pray regularly, but He will do it. He is faithful to His Word, and He will be faithful to you, dear one.
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