God has a purpose for our lives and a destiny for us to fulfill. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”
Fear, however, always stands in front of our dreams. Before we can enjoy what God has for us, we have to conquer the enemy of fear. By focusing on God instead of our weaknesses, we can step over the anxieties that paralyze us.
There was a time in high school when I allowed fear to hold me back. I had a huge desire to be on the student council committee. But I reasoned that I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or organized enough. I didn’t think I could handle the workload. When it was time to submit my name to the ballot, I didn’t do it. Instead, I allowed a mountain of fear to direct my path.
I have learned that whenever we give in to fear, regret follows it. I still kick myself for not running for student council. Regret drains your self-confidence. It’s then harder to follow God the next time. But when we keep our eyes on God, we don’t have to fear anything because our strength comes from Him.
Know You’re Loved
One way to overcome fear is by knowing how much God loves us. His goodness toward us is evident throughout scripture.
Psalm 103:2–5 (NLT)
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagles!
God is a Father Who loves and cares for us. He’s compassionate, merciful, and slow to anger. Even though we may deserve it, He doesn’t deal harshly with us. His love for us remains forever. (See Psalm 103:8–13 NLT.) Instead of our insecurities, we must focus on these things.
Knowing our Heavenly Father’s character gives us the boldness to take steps of faith toward our destiny. Why would God call us somewhere just to leave us by ourselves and not meet every need we have? He would never do that.
Knowing our Heavenly Father’s character gives us the boldness to take the steps of faith toward our destiny.D.K. Hall
Another way to overcome fear is by remembering what God has given us. Second Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The New Living Translation says God didn’t give us “a spirit of fear and timidity.” The spirit this verse is talking about is the Holy Spirit. The spirit God put in us doesn’t have fear. Why? Because Jesus Christ already defeated everything that will ever come against us.
When we understand God’s character and know He is on our side, we can look at fear and laugh. We can boldly say, “I’m not going to focus on fear. I’m going to focus on God who is backing me and on the destiny that’s been placed in my heart.”
The choice is ours. Do we allow faith or fear to direct our paths? Do we look at our weaknesses or God’s strength? Fear pulls us away from our destiny, but faith takes us to it. Keep your eyes on God. Look up and focus on His strength, ability, and wisdom. As you do, you will accomplish what He has called you to do.
Go Ahead, Take the Next Step
Is God calling you to study at Rhema Bible Training College? Don’t allow fear to keep you from fulfilling your destiny! Join us for Spring College Weekend! See page 6 for details.
Author
D.K. Hall
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