Confidence and Courage
“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit, who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Today, as I write this, fear seems to be taking over the world as we know it. We are in the middle of a pandemic, and no one is untouched by the effects of what is happening globally. Our economy is taking a dive, our health is being threatened, many are losing their jobs and businesses, our media seems to be feasting on the fears that accompany all this chaos. It would be really easy to jump on the freak-out train, and let our emotions run away with us, and find ourselves quaking in fear every moment of the day. (Most of us probably know someone who is displaying this right now.)
So, at a time such as this, how can a verse speak so plainly about fear, and dismiss it’s power when we are all keeping it at bay as diligently as we can?
The writers of the BibIe were inspired to write against fear 365 times. Obviously, we need a daily reminder!
It seems to me that this emotion is one of the most prevalent in humankind, and verses like these denounce fear’s power over and over. I read somewhere that the opposite of fear is confidence and courage. Is it possible to dismiss fear so easily with confident courage, and truly find peace in our moments of the day that are filled with uncertainty about the future, our health, and our security?
No, I don’t think it is easy. But, possible? Definitely.
If I am honest, there are days the well of confident courage feels a little shallow, and the voice of fear surrounds me. It is in these anxious moments I need the reminder above - this spirit of fear is not from the One who loves me but from the liar. What if we look at this verse as not only a promise but as a statement of truth?
Friends, I am so in love with Jesus, and His supernatural power to step into these moments and empower us to BELIEVE that statement. How great is it that we don’t have to dredge up the ability to believe in our own strength, but we have the right to ask Father to give us the power to believe when it seems impossible. “Impossible” is His specialty...go ahead, try it out! Ask Him for the ability to believe that Holy Spirit gives you power, love, and a sound mind. That peaceful, quiet mind - free from chaos, free from freak out, free from feeling scared.
“Lord, I choose to believe that love is more powerful than fear today. Show me the reality of this in ________________________________________________________________________________.
Vicki is Director of a ministry called "You are Worthy" and has 30+ years experience in full-time ministry and Christian missions.
She is an author, mother and educator who is passionate about leading others to discover their true identity and live their lives for God's glory. Visit You Are Worthy: www.youareworthy.net
