Have you ever been so crippled by fear that you can’t move? Fear can be a debilitating emotion. It stops us dead in our tracks.
Because of the abuse I have faced in my life and daily dealing with a physical disability, I am no stranger to fear. Fear has been one of my biggest struggles in life.
I lived most of my younger life consumed with fear. It kept me from going to new places and trying new things. It was a huge area in my life. But to become a man who could genuinely embrace my identity as God’s son, I had to defeat fear once and for all. How did I do it? The same way you can do it in your life.
1. Admit The Fear Exists
I know, Captain Obvious strikes again. But this is an important step! You won’t conquer the fear until you admit it is there.
As men, it is embarrassing to admit we are afraid. We’re tough, manly men. Guess what? We still have fear. Even the bravest guys like John Wayne face fear in their life. What makes them brave is that even though they experience fear, they know they can’t stay there, paralyzed by it.
2. Get to the Root of the Fear
After we admit we are battling fear, we need to figure out the cause of the fear. When did it start? What were you doing? What was going on around you?
We must examine ourselves to see what fears we have allowed to cripple us and keep us from becoming all God wants us to be.
3. Reach Out To God for Victory
Daily ask God for His courage and the ability to trust Him to care for you. Memorize some scriptures on fear to help you fight. Here are a few to get you started:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7, NKJV)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” (Isaiah 41:10, MSG)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
Pray these verses. God’s Word is full of promises to His sons that give us strength and encouragement to overcome our fears.
4. Daily Pray For Godly Courage
A man can never realize his full potential in God’s kingdom until he comes to the place where he is willing to conquer his fears and be strong and courageous. Our world is crying out for men who will be strong and courageous! Your fear can be replaced with godly courage.
To fully embrace your identity, you need to be bold and brave. Fear cannot be allowed to stop you any longer.
Fear keeps you from moving forward, while courage brings you victory. Let’s end by looking at this verse in Isaiah 43:1-4:
“But now, God’s Message…Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you…. That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” (The Message)
God cares about you so much. He will never leave you. When you boldly step forward and conquer your fear, you can do so knowing He will be right there with you, fighting for you, protecting you, and giving you victory!
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