2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. If He didn’t give us fear then… why do we have fear in our lives?

Just like the sin that’s ever present in our lives in some way, we experience fear. Whether we’re living in it or we come upon this feeling of fear from time to time, it’s there and it’s real.

But why???

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I have a friend going through a rough time and a future of uncertainty. What can I do? What will happen?

Fear creeps in easily with the unknowns we face in life.

“I know the Word says do not be afraid, but I’m terrified.”

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The Word does tell us, “do not be afraid.” He tells us He didn’t give us a spirit of fear. He also says to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

Do you think that the people in the Bible stories who on the page were afraid and were told to do something that caused their fear, just didn’t have fear?

Over and over again God says to go and be courageous. Courage is going and doing something despite the fear that may feel consuming at times. Courage is believing that the circumstances you’re facing right now aren’t bigger than the joy on the other side. Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear but triumphing over it and allowing God to give you peace through the storm.

Sometimes it seems like, as Christians, we feel like we shouldn’t feel fear at all, when the wrong response to fear is letting it consume and rule your life. Dealing with fear, using it to propel you forward and keep living is what matters.

With fear, we always have a response to it. What’s yours?

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What can you do today to step out and face your fears with God by your side?

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Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 31
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 27
• Isaiah 41
• Luke 12
• John 14
• Hebrews 13

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Encouragement for today:

• The circumstances of today are not greater than the joy He has for you tomorrow morning.
• God has great plans for you and none of them include a God-given fear. Lean into the power, love and self-control He gifts you.
• If you know someone in the trenches with fear, encourage them today that they don’t have to make fear their roommate. 🙂

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Have a wonderful Thursday!