What’s holding you back? Is it what others may think? Is it the thought of failure? Is it your past? Could it be the unknowns of the future holding you back? Maybe you don’t feel like you are good enough or have what it will take. These and many more have one thing in common, they begin with the self-talk of fear.

We have all had these thoughts. I remember when I was going to college, the first time, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I believed I would be drafted and sent to Vietnam so why study. It was 3 years of negative self-talk. But the core issue was I didn’t have Jesus. Oh, I had grown up in church and was active in church, but I just knew about Jesus. Knowing about Jesus is very different from knowing and following Jesus. It was not until 1984, nineteen years later, that I understood the difference.

Where does the fear that causes you to think you are a loser come from? There is only one place. “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) It is the devil’s way to create doubt, fear, and worthlessness.

Ponder this fact. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) We learn from Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” When I became a follower of Christ I was transformed, “Yet to all who did receive Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) And then ponder that for a moment, I now belong to Him who is all powerful, sovereign & perfect. Then I read John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” I have confidence not in myself, but my Lord Jesus.

I love how God encouraged Joshua before leading the Israelites into the Promise Land. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) God was telling Joshua don’t depend on yourself but God’s Almighty Presence. If you read the Book of Joshua, you will discover God telling the Israelites in advance they will be victorious. He does this same thing throughout the New Testament. Jesus is our Victory. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

If you are being held back by fear, know this… “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Think about that. What would life be like if you were set free from fear? There is only one way. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Fear is a choice…