Dealing with fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7-9
From the text, the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to not be overcome with fear. He reminded him that since he is a child of God, the Spirit of God is within to help him win over fear. There were several reasons why Timothy needed to hear from Paul about this matter. He will be leading a church in Ephesus and felt inadequate for the position. Ephesus was a major trade city and the people were not concerned about their spiritual needs. People living in that place were very materialistic and valued pleasure more than anything else. There were also false teachers promoting a gospel that subverts biblical teaching of salvation by grace alone. Paul did not exclude himself from experiencing fear for it was something that everyone will be confronting in life. There will be instances where you could be overcome with fear that your sound judgment gets clouded and will affect you to make wise decision. The Spirit of God is within the believers to provide spiritual strength and wisdom. The enemy of God will persuade you to live your life apart from God’s leading convincing you that you have everything you need. Yet, while doing this Satan also tells you that you are inadequate and insecure. So when you allow yourself in this predicament, this will only lead to apprehension and will prevent you from reaching the potential that God has in mind for you. Trials become insurmountable preventing you to think clearly and you feel overcome not only with fear but also with doubts. Your relationship with God will help you be reminded that you have to trust His power working within you. His loving presence and wisdom are what you need so come to Him. Do not be tempted into thinking that you are out there by yourself facing life challenges. Like Timothy, listen to Paul’s admonition that God “saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:9).
Blessings.