“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6–7)

Fear pulls us away from God’s purpose, but faith calls us back into it. When we move in fear, we don’t just hold ourselves back; we can miss the lives we’re meant to impact.

Fear disrupts alignment, cripples purpose, weakens our trust in God, and stunts spiritual growth. It makes us forget who we are.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1, he urged him to stir up the gift of God within him for the use of ministry. Timothy was tasked with the assignment of leading a church and Apostle Paul was about to be killed; so he wanted to encourage Timothy to stand firm in faith, to defend God’s Word without compromise and without fear. Not on his own volition, but through the Spirit’s empowering. He needs only to be obedient.

Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that God’s Spirit lives within us not producing fear, but power, love, and self-discipline.

Power to live boldly and reflect God through our character

Love that goes beyond feelings and chooses others daily

Self-discipline to respond with wisdom, not react in emotion

Fear makes us forget who we are, but faith reminds us.

This is how we overcome fear – by remembering that God is at work in us. We are not doing this alone.

Following Christ will not always be easy. There will be challenges, pressure, even opposition. But we don’t and we won’t face it alone - God strengthens us, and community supports us.

So don’t shrink back in fear.
Stand firm in faith.

Cripple the fear that tries to cripple you - and walk boldly in who God has called you to be.

Reminder

“We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:37.

This means that as Believers, we already have victory over persecutions, sufferings and opposition from the world. Therefore, don’t allow fear to cripple your thoughts, instead, fan into flame the gifts of God within you! This can only be done through your obedience and willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to move within your life.

You probably can’t do this – but, God sure can!