Fear is subtle. It disguises itself as wisdom. It whispers: “Wait until you’re stronger. Wait until you have more money. Wait until the timing is perfect.”
But here’s the truth: fear delays destiny. Faith activates it.
Every woman reading this knows the tug-of-war between faith and fear. You’ve felt the pull to start the business, apply for the position, write the book, or launch the ministry. But fear freezes movement. Faith requires it.
The tension between the two is nothing new. God’s Word is filled with reminders that fear is not from Him, and yet we see His people wrestle with it again and again. From Moses at the burning bush to Timothy in the New Testament, fear has always been the enemy’s weapon of choice to silence God’s daughters and sons.
Scripture Anchor
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)
But let’s look at the surrounding verses for context. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul writes to Timothy: “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.”
Timothy was a young leader, pastoring in a challenging environment, facing resistance, doubt, and insecurity. Paul reminds him: “This fear you’re feeling? It didn’t come from God.”
Faith is not denial. It’s fire. It fans the flame of what God has already placed inside.
The Word in Depth
Fear is not just an emotion. The Greek word used here, deilia, means timidity, cowardice, or shrinking back. It’s not the healthy caution that comes with wisdom, it’s the crippling spirit that paralyzes forward motion.
Paul contrasts fear with three gifts God has given:
- Power (dunamis) — supernatural ability, the same root used for “dynamite.” It’s an explosive, life-changing strength that comes from God’s Spirit.
- Love (agape) — the kind of love that compels us to serve, forgive, and move beyond ourselves. Love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
- Sound mind (sōphronismos) — disciplined, Spirit-anchored thinking. A mind guarded against the chaos and confusion that fear brings.
Fear confuses. Faith clarifies. Fear paralyzes. Faith propels.
When we shrink back in fear, we not only pause our progress, we put on hold the very assignments God has called us to. But when we activate faith, we reclaim our NOW!
Sherelle’s Thoughts
“The enemy’s goal isn’t just to wound you. It’s to make you forget who you are in Christ. Because when you forget, you stop moving in the authority He gave you.”
Fear is not simply about what you feel—it’s about what you forget. And when you forget your identity, you forget your authority.
Framework:
- Release — Release the fear into God’s hands. Call it out. Don’t bury it. Speak it.
- Reframe — Reframe the lie attached to the fear with Scripture truth. (E.g., the lie: “I’m not strong enough”; the truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — Philippians 4:13.)
- Reconnect — Reconnect with God’s Spirit. Ask Him to remind you of the gift He placed inside you, just as Paul reminded Timothy.
Faith over fear is not a cliché. It’s a prophetic stance. It’s choosing to move, even when trembling, because God’s Word has the final say.
Practical Application
- Name the Fear — What exactly am I afraid of? Write it down. Fear loses power when exposed.
- Reframe with Truth — Find a scripture that speaks directly against that fear. Write it beside the fear on your page.
- Take a Small Step — Faith doesn’t always look like a leap. Sometimes it’s a single step. Make the phone call. Fill out the application. Write the first paragraph. Move while afraid.
Reflection Questions
- What fear has delayed my obedience?
- What truth from God’s Word confronts this fear?
- What small, practical step can I take in faith this week?
Prevail Declaration
“I will not bow to fear. God has given me power, love, and a sound mind. I will fan the flame of His gift within me. I will prevail NOW.”
