Conquering fear resonates deeply with me, especially when I reflect on one of my all-time favorite quotes on fear from Mandela: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
I came across this quote some time back, and my life has not been the same since. The power of these words has served as a constant reminder that fear is not just an obstacle to be avoided but a challenge to be faced and conquered.
For those who’ve been following me for a while, you may recall my long-standing desire to start a YouTube channel. This goal has lingered in my heart for years, but fear often prevented me from pursuing it. Self-doubt and anxiety crept in, whispering that I wasn’t good enough or that my content wouldn’t resonate with others.
To further explore the theme of conquering fear, I’ve created a video where I share my personal journey and insights on overcoming fear and taking action. I invite you to watch it below:
I don’t know about you, but fear has a way of boxing us in. It can stop us from doing what we love, hold us back from sharpening our talents, and even keep us from becoming our best selves or pursuing our life’s purpose. We often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of worry, imagining worst-case scenarios that never come to pass.
Is It OK to Feel Fear as a Christian?
As Christians, it’s crucial to understand that fear is a natural human emotion. Fear can actually protect us from genuine dangers and help us see risks we might otherwise miss. For instance, feeling apprehensive about risking your family’s financial security on a business venture isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This kind of fear can make you plan better, consider risks more carefully, and ultimately make wiser decisions.
However, the fear I’m addressing here is different.
It’s the crippling kind that holds us back from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. This fear whispers lies, telling us we’re not good enough, that we’ll fail, or that God won’t come through on His promises. It’s the fear that paralyzes us and stops us from pursuing what God has promised us. Now, how do we go about conquering fear as Christians?
What Does the Bible Say About Conquering Fear?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Let’s look at that scripture carefully. It says “FEAR NOT,” which implies there is indeed something to be feared. I don’t want to add to your fear, but it’s essential to recognize that fear can grow. Whatever you’re afraid of can expand to the point where the things that could bring you fulfillment are pushed to the back burner because you’re so worried.
The key message in Isaiah 41:10 is a reminder that we are not alone in our fears. God is with us every step of the way, ready to provide strength and support when we feel weak. This promise offers a sense of peace and reassurance that we can lean on, especially during times of uncertainty.
Faith Can Prevail
The good news is that God has made provisions for all our needs in His word. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, ‘…I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
God has promised to be with us, to help us, and to uphold us. In my case, I took this scripture to heart. I confessed many times, many years ago, and still do today, that God will help me and that He has not given me a spirit of fear.
There are moments when I still feel that familiar twinge of fear, the nagging voice of doubt whispering in my ear. I was scared, and I won’t say it’s easy now, but sometimes I still feel afraid. Quite frankly, fear will always be there. However, I have learned to depend on God, and once again, I read this scripture.
I’m thankful that the fear of not taking action was stronger than the fear of failure. I’d rather try now than be 100 years old, wishing I had pursued my dreams. It’s easy to let fear take the reins and control our actions, but we must remind ourselves that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of it.
Practical Steps for Conquering Fear
If you find yourself struggling with fear, here are some practical steps that may help you on your journey to conquering fear:
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Acknowledge Your Fear: The first step in overcoming fear is to acknowledge its presence. Denying or suppressing fear can lead to greater anxiety. Accept that fear is a part of your life, but doesn’t have to control it.
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Reflect on Scripture: Spend time meditating on scriptures that encourage you to conquer fear. Verses like Isaiah 41:10 remind us that God is with us, offering strength and support in our struggles.
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Pray for Guidance: Take your fears to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you overcome the obstacles you face and give you the strength to move forward. Remember that God hears your prayers and desires to support you.
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Take Small Steps: Rather than trying to conquer fear all at once, break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Each small victory will build your confidence and help you face bigger challenges.
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Surround Yourself with Support: Share your fears with trusted friends or family members who can offer encouragement and support. Sometimes, simply vocalizing your fears can diminish their power.
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Visualize Success: Picture yourself overcoming your fears and achieving your goals. Visualization can be a powerful tool for building confidence and reducing anxiety.
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Celebrate Progress: Take time to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step you take toward conquering fear is a step in the right direction.
You Are More Than Your Fear
Today, as I write, I want to encourage you that you are more than your fear. You are more than the stories you have told yourself. You have the power to redefine your narrative and step boldly into the life God has intended for you.
I challenge you to start telling yourself that you can because there is one who promises to be with you. He promises to help you because He knows you cannot do it alone. He promises to uphold you with His right hand as guidance.
Fear is not the end of your journey but rather a part of it. As you navigate through life, remember that conquering fear is not just about overcoming obstacles but about embracing the growth that comes from facing those challenges.
I hope and pray that you find it within yourself to begin.
If you want us to pray with you about your fears, leave a message below, and we will whisper a prayer.
Related: Finding Strength in Weakness
Until next time, know that God is for you.
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