Tips on Overcoming Fear to Live With God’s Purpose
Do you feel that fear may be holding you back from fulfilling your purpose? Maybe you have a deep desire to pursue a certain career or start a business or ministry, but the thought of failure and rejection stop you. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and limiting beliefs that keep us in our comfort zones. But here's the truth - God has called each of us for a unique purpose, and we shouldn't let fear hold us back from living out His plan. In this week’s blog post, I explore practical ways to break through fear and self-imposed limitations to step boldly into your calling with faith and confidence.
Are you ready to take the first step toward unleashing your full potential? Let's dive in!
Understanding Why Fear Holds You Back
Fear is a 4-letter word that holds many in bondage. One of the greatest challenges you may face in living out God’s call on your life is overcoming the fear that may be holding you back. Fear is a powerful emotion that paralyzes you and prevents you from taking risks or stepping outside your comfort zone. You may be afraid of failure, rejection, or even success. But when you allow fear to control you, you limit what God can do through you.
God doesn’t want His child to live in fear. He has called you bold and courageous and promised to be with you every step of the way. When you trust in God, you can overcome your fears and step out in faith. So don’t let fear keep you from living out God’s calling for your life!
What does the Bible say about Fear?
When you are afraid, it can be difficult to see past your current circumstances and remember that God is in control. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about fear and how to overcome it.
One of my go-to verses that can help you when you are fearful is 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This verse says that even though you may feel afraid, God has not given you a spirit of fear. Instead, He has given you power, love, and a sound mind. You can use these promises from God to fight against your fears.
Isaiah 41:10 is a powerful verse that reassures and comforts those struggling with fear. The Scripture says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (NIV). These words remind you that you are never alone and your heavenly Father is always with you. He is your source of strength and comfort in times of trouble. As a Christian, you may face many fears and uncertainties, but you can be confident that God is faithful to His promises. When you trust Him, you can rest assured that He will guide you through any situation with His unfailing love and grace.
Another reassuring verse for when you are afraid is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse challenges you to rely on Jesus for all your strength. And no matter what you face, you can trust that God will give you the strength to overcome it through your Lord Jesus.
Many other verses in the Bible talk about fear and how you can overcome it. If you are feeling afraid, take some time to read through these verses and remember that God is with you, and He will help you overcome your fears.
Practical Steps to Overcome Fear
When it comes to fear, you might focus more on what you fear than God. You may allow your fears to keep you from living out His calling for your life. But God doesn’t want you to be controlled by your fears. He wants you to trust Him and take practical steps to overcome them.
Here are some practical steps to overcome your fears:
1. Prayerfully ask God to reveal your fears. By asking God to reveal your fears, you can begin to confront and overcome them through His guidance and strength. This act of vulnerability and surrender allows you to trust in God fully and His plan for you, leading you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.
2. Write down your fears. This will help you identify them and see them for what they are – often irrational thoughts that don’t deserve attention.
3. Research your fears and look for evidence that counters them. For example, if you fear failure, you can look to stories of successful people (in the Bible and history) who've failed multiple times before achieving their goals. By doing so, you can gain inspiration and confidence to overcome your fears and achieve success.
4. Talk to someone else about your fears. Often, just talking about your fears can help you see them in a different light and realize that they aren’t as big as you make them out to be.
5. Take small steps in facing your fears head-on. Don’t try to do too much all at once – baby steps are key! And remember, even if you fail, you haven’t failed because you’re still learning and growing from the experience.
Examples from Scripture
The Bible contains many examples of courageous individuals who faced fears and overcame seemingly impossible obstacles. One example is David, who faced the giant Goliath with little more than a sling and five stones (1 Samuel 17). Despite the odds against him, David trusted the Lord to deliver him from his enemy.
Another example is Esther, who risked her life to approach the king of Persia and plead for the salvation of her people. Despite the danger she faced as a Jew in a foreign land, Esther trusted God's providence and stepped forward boldly.
The prophet Elijah is also a profound example of courage in fear. He stood firm against the false prophets of Baal (1 King 18), despite their threats and the persecution he faced due to his faith. Elijah trusted the Lord and proved that He was greater than any earthly power or weapon.
In the New Testament, we see the apostle Paul facing immense persecution for his faith yet remaining steadfast in his mission to spread the gospel. He trusted God's strength to sustain him, even when weak and afraid.
These examples demonstrate that true courage comes from a deep trust in God and a willingness to surrender your fears to Him. In the face of danger, uncertainty, or persecution, these individuals turned to the Lord for strength and found the courage to face their fears head-on. May their example inspire you to do the same, trusting God's steadfast love and faithfulness to see you through every trial and challenge.
How to Make a Plan for Moving Forward Despite Fear
You can move forward despite fear when you don't allow it to hold you back.
Here are some tips for planning and breaking through fear and self-imposed limitations:
1. Pray and ask God for guidance.
2. Make a list of your fears and concerns.
3. Identify the areas you feel most comfortable with and those that make you uncomfortable.
4. Choose one area to focus on and plan to address it.
5. Take small steps each day to work towards your goal.
6. Trust that God is with you and will help you overcome your fears.
Prayer to Conquer Fear
When you pray, you align your hearts and minds with God’s will for your life. When you face your fears head-on and ask God for help, He gives you the strength to overcome them.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help you break through self-imposed limitations and live out God’s calling. When you pray for courage to conquer your fears, God hears you and will help you.
If you are struggling with fear, take some time to pray about it. Ask God to give you the strength to face your fears head-on. Here is a sample prayer you can use:
Father God, I am feeling so afraid right now. I am scared of ____________. But I know You are with me and will never leave or forsake me. Help me to trust You more than I trust my understanding. Give me the courage to face my fears head-on to live out Your calling on my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Free Yourself From Fear
This blog reminds you never to let fear hold you back from realizing God’s calling on your life. When you surrender to His plans and understand His perfect timing, stepping out of your comfort zone will no longer be daunting but another opportunity to bring glory to Him and use the gifts He has given you. Trust that with faith, courage, and more grace than ever, you will have enough strength to break through any fears or self-imposed limitations so that, ultimately, according to His plan and purpose, you may live with purpose today!
Your Sis in Christ,
Brenda
