Day 9 - Overcoming Fear

Facing Your Fears

Growing up, I was afraid of many things—
the dark, dogs, confrontation, failure, being alone… and the list goes on.

Not all of my fears were a direct result of being fatherless, but many of them definitely stemmed from it. I remember living in an old house in my hometown, and as the sun went down each evening, my fear would rise. I often worried that someone might break in, and there wouldn’t be a man in the house to protect us. Now, before you laugh, I was only four years old. But the fear was very real—and it stuck with me for years.

Fast forward to 7th grade. I went snow skiing for the very first time. As I stood at the top of that snowy mountain, fear hit me again. I didn’t know how to ski, how to turn, or how to stop. All I could do was look down and wonder how I’d ever make it to the bottom in one piece. It took me about two hours, but eventually, I made it.

The mountain that day was unique because the ski lodge and parking lot were actually at the top, not the bottom. So after reaching the bottom, I got on the ski lift to go back up. My youth pastor—who had been patiently trying to teach me all night—rode up with me.

Sensing my fear, he leaned over and quoted a verse that I had never heard before or at least never paid attention to:
“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)

That verse stayed with me. It was the first time I realized that I didn’t have to let fear control my life. I could begin conquering my fears through God’s power.

CHALLENGE:
Fear doesn’t come from God.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us power, love, and a sound mind, not fear.

What fears are holding you back?
Are they stopping you from reaching your full potential?
Are they keeping you from living the life God has called you to?

When fear rises up, turn to God. Ask Him to help you live in His strength, not your own.

ACTION STEP:
Make a list of your current fears.
Each day this week, meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7 and pray over that li, t—asking God to help you face each fear with His power and peace.

SUGGESTED PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I know that fear doesn’t come from You. Please help me to walk in the strength, love, and sound mind that You have given me. I trust You to help me overcome the fears that have held me back. In Jesus’ name, Amen.