Overcome Fear With Faith

What is your greatest fear? Mine is fear of rejection. I avoid writing because I think no one will listen to me or read what I write. I say to myself, “who do you think you are? People don’t want to be healthy.” Or worse, what if people laugh and say, “why should she write about God? Do you know what she used to be like?”

Paul wrote the last of his letters, 2 Timothy, as an exhortation to encourage his protégé, Timothy, in his holy calling to preach and share the Gospel. We sense urgency in Paul’s words because he realized his death was imminent.

Paul writes, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6, ESV). The Greek word translated “fan into flame” means to re-kindle or stir up, as to kindle a waning fire.

Perhaps Timothy’s faith had abated because of Paul’s absence. Was Timothy fearful and ashamed? Did he think, “what if they laugh at me and reject me?”

In the next verse, Paul encouraged Timothy to overcome fear with God’s power and love, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV). 

Isn’t it easy to be fearful and ashamed? Especially when called to share our faith or story with unbelievers. Sometimes I imagine no one will read my story, even though God called me to write it.

Paul’s letter encourages us to fan into flame our own calling. Fear is not from God. When we are fearful and incapable of doing what God has called us to do, remember what Paul writes about God’s promises.

Spirit of power

Paul urged Timothy not to give into fear. Harness the power of God through the Holy Spirit to overcome fear and fulfill your purpose.

When God calls us to a task, He supplies the power to do what He asks. He will give us what we need. 

For example, when God called me to write, I did not know how to start. But God provided resources for me to learn and grow, specifically an online group for training, connections, and community. When I struggled with what to write, God showed me what to write about.

Perhaps you speak to a group, teach a class, lead a small group, or share your story and faith with others. Call on God’s power instead of trying to do it on your own. We are never enough on our own.

Spirit of love

Believe in God’s love for us. He loved us so much He sent His son to die for us. And we must love others as God loves us.

As Scripture states, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11, NIV).

In addition, to serve others, we must love them. But sometimes people are not very loveable. The Holy Spirit grants the power to love as God does.

Spirit of self-control

This Greek word, sóphronismos, occurs only one time in the entire New Testament.  They translate it into several words because no single English word conveys the full meaning. For example, self-control (ESV), sound mind (NKJV), self-discipline (NIV) or sound judgment (HCSB).

Paul urges Timothy to be self-controlled in his actions. Don’t give up. Set an example. Be of sound mind, overcoming fear, shame, and anxious thoughts. 

Call on the power of God to stay calm and self-controlled in difficult situations when confronted with fear, anxiety, anger, discord, and hostility. 

Conclusion

I realize it is my job to be obedient, fight discouragement, keep writing, and God supplies the rest. Instead of experiencing fear, call upon God’s power to do what He calls you to do. Don’t let the fear of the “what ifs” stop you. Trust in God’s power. Whether it’s helping your neighbor, sharing your story, or, like me, writing about how God wants us to be healthy, overcome fear with faith.