” For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the power of love and a sound mind”

2 Tim. 1:7

I used to be so controlled by fear. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to speak. I didn’t want to do anything. A lot of people had no idea because I never showed it. I never showed it and I never talked about it. I had been told and taught that God doesn’t give the spirit of fear so in my perception of the words that were so firmly shared with me, fear = sin. Anything not of God is sin, so fear is sin. And based off this not only was I a mess but I was a super sinner because I was constantly afraid. Afraid of what others might say, afraid of losing, and afraid of failing. I had to look the part though so I just had to “do it afraid”. 

Even recently, you can ask my husband, I didn’t want to open my mouth and say anything… and I am an executive pastor of a church that my husband and I planted!! I was comfortable siting quietly and cheering my husband on. I mean, I tried out to be a cheerleader twice and never made it so this was my chance, right?!

Every time he would ask me to preach I was say no, but then come to him later and say okay. Reluctantly but I would hear God say something like, “Girl, get your life and preach!” (Like seriously, He talks to me like that!)

The Youversion scripture of the day today was to not conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So this morning, while sipping tea and eating a grilled porkchop (classy) my mind was being renewed and God told me to turn to check out what 2 Timothy was really saying. God is so amazing and knows that end before the beginning and obviously started renewing my mind overnight.

You see, I preach tomorrow and I am seriously excited about it! I know, you’re probably like, “duh Carmaleta! You’re supposed to be excited!” Yes, but that wasn’t always the case. I was always fearful and super nervous. But today, I am not. I am so ready for church tomorrow and to see what God is going to do and pull out of me.

See in 2 Timothy, is tells us that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. It is not saying, you will never have fear or that you’re wrong for having fear. What it tells us is that the fear we experience is not from God! We don’t have to accept it. In fact, we should probably rejoice when we experience fear because that means the enemy is trying to keep you from what he knows is going to be great. If it didn’t come from God and it stops you from doing what you know you’re meant to do, it’s obviously from someone on the opposing team that will stop at nothing to make you and your team lose. BUT the truth is, you can’t lose something that has already been won. And if it feels and looks like you’ve lost, rejoice because your story is not over yet. 

Don’t be bound by fear and don’t be bound by the thought or suggestion that fear makes you less of a Christian. Rejoice in the greatness that is you and that is going to come from your life!

In love, 

C.B.

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