Not a Spirit of Fear

Paul wrote this to Timothy, a young man who was afraid. And what does Paul do? He doesn't say "don't be so sensitive." He says: what you're feeling didn't come from God. Paralyzing fear, the insecurity that freezes you in place — that isn't the Father's inheritance for you.

God gave us power. Love. A sound mind — soundness, balance, self-control, depending on the translation. Three gifts for living fully, without being paralyzed in the face of challenges.

When fear comes and says "you're not capable," you can answer with the truth: I have the power of God in me. When love grows cold from exhaustion, you can remember that He deposited love in you. When everything feels chaotic, there is in you a mind that God Himself equipped.

You are not a weak person trying to survive. You are a person of God, equipped by Him for every day. Believe this — especially on the days it feels like a lie.