The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
— 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to embracing newness. It can hold us back from stepping into the new chapters of our lives, from trusting God’s promises, and from becoming the people he has created us to be. Fear often whispers to us that we are unqualified, incapable, or unworthy of the changes that God wants to make in us. But the Bible tells us that fear is not from God. Instead, God has given us his Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. It’s not about us having enough courage on our own; it’s about relying on the strength and presence of the Holy Spirit. When we lean into God’s power, we can face the unknown with confidence, knowing that the Lord is already ahead of us. I’ve had many moments in which fear has threatened to paralyze me from pursuing something new. Yet in those moments I’ve come to realize that God’s “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Embracing God’s Spirit within me means rejecting the lies that fear tries to tell me, and walking forward in the boldness of new life that God provides. Surrounded by God’s love, we can let go of fear and walk into the space God has provided for his new work in our lives.
Lord, thank you for your Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Help me to let go of my fears and to embrace all the new things you have in store for me. Amen.
