Overcoming FearSample

Your True Identity

During that season when we first discovered the tumor, went through initial emergency surgery, attended numerous serious doctor visits, and received consistently more alarming news, I cried more than I ever have in my entire life. I couldn’t eat, I lost 10 pounds in a month, and I was so completely consumed by what we were facing that my parents and in-laws had to help me with my three young kids constantly because I couldn’t care for them.

I know so well the power of fear. It affects us physically, mentally, and spiritually – in every possible way.

And though it feels so real, it’s not the truth. Here’s the thing that I have learned about who we are, and the truth that is spoken over and over in God’s Word: We are dearly beloved children of God – conquerors and royalty! And as such, we have power over fear. For “those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons (and daughters!) of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship” (Romans 8:14–15a, italics mine), and “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

If Christ has set us free, who are we to put ourselves back under the influence (slavery) of darkness? Fear makes us slaves. And that is most definitely not who we are!

We are not slaves to anything except righteousness (Romans 6:18). We are daughters of the Most High God (Romans 8:14)! We are seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)! “The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells” in us (Romans 8:11) and makes us more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)! And I could go on and on. Scripture tells us that our identities in Christ are beyond amazing and set the stage for victory. We truly are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we have been provided with everything that we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). When we walk in that identity and it gives us the utmost confidence. For “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b).

Maybe it doesn’t feel like that for you right now. I get it. But be encouraged. As we walk through this study, consciously renew your mind to the truth. In light of who we are in Christ and armed with a good knowledge of exactly what we’re up against, we can conquer fear. We have been given this confidence because of Jesus. Because of his sacrifice and our participation in his nature, “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16b)! Let that sink in for a bit. Is there fear in the mind of Christ? Surely not! Moreover, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him (her). In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment because, in this world, we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:16b-18b, italics mine). You see, in this world, we are like him. And he is love. Perfect love drives out fear. So the fear has to go! This is the truth: Because of our nature, we have the ability, right, privilege, and responsibility to overcome fear.

Prayer for today: Father, thank you for your Word that shows me who I am in you. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice that provided me with this identity and all that comes with it. Show me who I am in you and help me to be fully convinced of who you are in me and what I am capable of in this world. And thank you for your perfect love that casts out ALL of my fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen!