This is a spiritual pep talk. A little bit of a kick in the pants, but I’m giving myself this kick in the pants, this knock upside the head, just as much as I am you. We all need it. With that in mind, here we go.
Life can be overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, pain, and uncertainty can make us feel paralyzed—stuck in a cycle of worry, waiting for things to change but never taking action.
But God never intended for His people to be trapped in fear and misery. He has given us the power to move forward, the wisdom to make decisions, and the ability to act in faith.
God Has Not Given You a Spirit of Fear
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7
Did you catch that? Read that verse again. Yes, fear can be crippling. It keeps people from making decisions, stepping out in faith, or changing destructive habits. And, yes, while God wired the whole “fight-or-flight” thing into our earthly bodies, God didn’t give us a spirit of fear.
For those of us who have genuinely given our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ, God has given us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit isn’t afraid of anything!
Let me repeat that.. the Holy Spirit fears nothing and no one!
If you’re a believer in Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit, and therefore you can have a spirit “of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When we let the Spirit work on our spirit, we can enjoy the promises of II Timothy 1:7, which include…
- Power – The ability to overcome obstacles, to face challenges with faith, and to take action.
- Love – The ability to make choices rooted in love for God, love for others, and love for what is right—not fear of failure or rejection.
- A Sound Mind – The wisdom and clarity to make the right decisions, rather than being driven by panic or indecision.
If you feel stuck, ask yourself: Am I letting fear control me? Or am I trusting in the power, love, and wisdom God has given me?
Don’t Just Think About What God Says—Do It
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
—James 1:22
Some people hear truth, read the Bible, and even pray, but they never take the next step. They wait for the perfect moment or clearer signs, and in the meantime, nothing changes.
James warns us that simply knowing the right thing isn’t enough. We have to do it.
- If you need to forgive someone, do it.
- If you need to start a new habit, start today.
- If you need to walk away from a harmful situation, take that step.
- If you feel distant from God, seek Him now.
Praying and reading Scripture are essential, but they should always lead to action.
Pray and ask God for direction. Look to Scripture for guidance. When you’re clear on what God wants you to do – start doing it. Take the first step of obedience. Do so in faith and power.
Feel stuck or trapped in an unhappy marriage? Don’t just wallow in it. Ask God what He wants you to do within that situation – and then do it! Financial problems getting you down? What does God say you should do? Do it. Feeling discouraged or depressed? What does God say you should do about discouragement or depression? Do it. Having trouble at work? What does God say? Do it.
You get the idea.
Final Thought: Step Forward in Faith
God has already given you everything you need to face your situation—power, love, and a sound mind. Don’t let fear rob you of joy and purpose.
Pray. Seek wisdom and direction. Then take action.
Because faith isn’t just believing—it’s doing.
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