From Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Break Free From Your Day Job" a 5 - Day Devotional by Tola OlabiyiExemplo

Day 2:Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Fear can be one of the most crippling forces in our lives, especially when we are stepping into something new and uncertain, like entrepreneurship. After my first business failed, I did not want to step into entrepreneurship again. My journey back was gradual, and I was determined not to make the same mistakes I made. To be honest, there were times that I wondered if my investment in my business would pay off, and "What if I don't succeed”? began to cloud my decision-making. I questioned whether I was truly meant to be an entrepreneur or if I should just stay in my comfort zone of being a nurse.

But here’s the thing: fear is not from God. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Fear is a tactic the enemy uses to keep us from stepping into our God-given destiny. It's easy to let fear convince us that we aren't capable or that failure is inevitable. But God has already equipped us with the tools we need to succeed. He has given us the power to overcome obstacles, the love to push past negativity, and the sound mind to make wise decisions in business and in life.

When the Israelites were leaving Egypt, they, too, had to battle fear. Even though God had shown them His power and promised them freedom, they still doubted whether they could fully step into the Promised Land. They had lived in slavery for so long that the idea of freedom felt distant and almost unattainable. In the same way, we can become slaves to our own fears and doubts, unable to fully embrace the freedom and purpose God has for us.

Breaking free from limiting beliefs and fears is part of the journey to emancipation. It means rejecting the mindset that tells you, "You’ll never make it," and replacing it with the truth of God’s Word: You are called, you are equipped, and you are capable. God has already gone before you to prepare the way.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on any fears or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Write them down, pray over them, and ask God to replace those fears with His truth and give you the courage to move forward in your business.

Reflection: What limiting beliefs or fears are holding you back from stepping fully into your calling? How can you replace them with God’s truth?