GOD HAS NOT GIVEN YOU THE SPIRIT OF FEAR
There have been moments in my life when fear felt louder than faith. At times, I would go through an entire day feeling anxious about a future I had not even encountered. Even when I clearly remembered this scripture in those moments
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”
I still struggled with a quiet question in my heart: “What if I am not able to do this?”
I’ve also learnt that fear often shows up as overthinking, self-doubt, and anxiety. It sits quietly in the mind, replaying questions like: “Am I enough?” or “Will I ever be able to do it?” This made me realize that fear transcends beyond emotions, it is also spiritual. It affects our behavior, our feelings, and our outlook on life.
An example that comes to mind would be when I developed fear toward a particular course, I approached it with hesitation and doubt in my ability to understand it. I became convinced it was too difficult, which ultimately reduced the effort I put into studying it. It was not because I could not learn the material, but because I had allowed fear to shape my perception of the course.
To the person reading this, can you reflect on times when you entertained negative possibilities like “falling behind” or “not being good enough”? You may notice that as those thoughts lingered, the fear only grew stronger. This is why we must continually renew our minds daily.
Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV)
The renewing of the mind is the key!
Fear can arise from many sources: pressure, comparison, past experiences, and uncertainty about the future. Personally, one of my greatest struggles had been the “not enough” syndrome and I mean in most areas of my life [academically, spiritually, and financially]. Sometimes I feared not meeting expectations or reaching my full potential, and these fears often made the future seem overwhelming.
In those moments, I remind myself again of 2 Timothy 1:7
Another testimony I’d love to share would be from my first year in university, I had a course that intimidated me greatly. I doubted my ability to pass it. However, this time instead of dwelling on fear, I chose a different response. I prayed, I studied diligently, and I showed up even on days when I was unsure of myself. Through this experience, I learned that faith does not cancel the work that needs to be done, rather, faith strengthens us to do the work.
Through these experiences, I have learned that overcoming fear requires both spiritual and practical steps. Prayer helped me. The Holy Spirit continually reminded me of the truth of Scripture.
Philippians 4:8 – “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)
Planning ahead helped me. Consistency helped me. Breaking tasks into smaller steps made it feel less overwhelming. Choosing to act even when I was afraid gradually built my confidence.
Permit me to also add that you may not be experiencing fear in your academics, but perhaps it shows up in other areas of your life , your career, marriage, fruitfulness, business, spiritual walk or even your health, it often targets the places that matter most to us, and it can manifest in different ways for different people.
Fear for some may or may not disappear instantly, bottom line is that it does not have to shape our journey. The Scriptures remind us of God’s promise “Never to leave nor forsake us”. God knows us deeply, and He desires to walk with us through every season of life.
Just as people at the gym gradually increase the weight they lift as their strength grows, we too grow stronger as we continually cast down fearful thoughts and renew our minds with God’s Word. When we choose faith over fear, take practical steps forward, and fill our hearts with truth, fear gradually loses its power.
Two songs have greatly encouraged me are “Holy Spirit” by Sunmisola Agbebi and “Jesu” by Dunsin Oyekan and Grace Lubega.
Never forget: Jesus loves you.
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