For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7
People let's be half glass empty today, aware and knowing that we have God’s power at work within us. Don't overlook or discard it –Is there a better option?
But what if we are experiencing only spoonfuls of His power and love? I'd say we're missing out on something big and amazing!
I think we’re sometimes in the habit of tasting and seeing only spoonfuls of God’s activity occurring in our lives and we in turn normalize it – it becomes the norm for us. We think small things are all that God is capable of doing because that’s all we’ve ever seen Him do in our lives. It is when fear knocks we expect God to show up with a big package of deliverance! That’s usually when we stop believing in Him. Am I right? But honestly, we got exactly what we were expecting. I once read that, "God doesn’t give us more than the capacity we bring Him will allow."
I think it's time to trade in our spoonfuls of timidity (cowardice) and invest in a few barrels, or maybe a dump truck – we need a lot of Jesus!
The world we live in is a scary place, there is so much reason to fear. This fear is not the fear of God, but the fear of man. We have fear in many different ways and forms in our world today. Fear of diseases, sickness, human trafficking, terrorism, hurricanes, earthquakes, anxiety, the enemy we call friend, and worries from uncertainty. Fear has gripped the lives of many, perhaps it has gripped yours too. However, nothing should cause a believer to fear. God has given us power to overcome the spirit of fear with boldness, the power to love in this world of uncertainty and self-control when we can’t manage things around us.
As Christians, we must possess a sound mind which empowers us to live faithfully. As we align ourselves with the word of God daily, we will find ourselves not out of control, but being able to live our lives in love, joy, patience, and peace within. Fear is the most influential emotion in the world right now, we must beware of it and not be consumed by it. What is the purpose of fear? Fear is out to challenge your trust and confidence in God. The enemy knows that he cannot destroy you until he has put fear in you. If he can succeed he will hinder you from your purpose and distance you from God.
You must be determined to live fearlessly and not allow fear to stop you from fulfilling God's plan for your life. We need to know who we are in Christ and that we have not been given the spirit of timidity. Though scripture warns us that we will suffer in the world, but also admonished us that God has overcome them for us because He that is in us is greater than He that is in the world. Oh, how refreshing to hear that, "He that is in us is greater than He that is in the world." God has given us power. Therefore, power is not wished for, but it’s a gift of the Holy Ghost which He endues a believer with (thank you Jesus). It is the power from heaven, it achieves far more than we can think or imagine through a believer.
We are limited in our own strength so we need the power of God in our lives. He has given us a sound mind. What is the meaning of a sound mind? It means He has given us control over every obstacle, and ugly situation that is hindering the gift of God in our life.
Heavenly Father, deliver me from worry, anxiety, my enemies disguised as my friends and fear. Help me to continuously trust in you daily, knowing that You are my strength, peace and joy. Help me to live in the spirit you have given unto me, of power, love, and sound mind. There is no one like you Lord! I praise and worship you for being mindful of me because you have not given me the spirit of fear. Thank you for the constant presence of Your Spirit in my life. Empower me with the abundance of courage to go about the plans and works you have for me.
Let my life be a continuous testimony and demonstration of the Spirit of love dwelling in me. Amen. As a believer, the Holy Spirit dwells in you too, and He does not produce fear. So when fear knocks at your door, respond with courage in faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 Crewneck available here for purchase.