7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Hallelujah…We have stepped into 2022! Personally, I am excited about the wonderful God-filled experiences in store for my future. On the other hand, I am concerned that not everyone is as welcoming to the changes or expectations of the new year. For the most part, I am hearing people “hoping” or “wishing” 2022 is better than 2021. Additionally, I am reading people are suffering through anxiety in response to the news that appears to be no different than what we heard and experienced the year before. Believe me, I get it.
It’s unfortunate that for many of us, we are living in fear and timidity. Sadly, what is lacking is a mindset and determination to live lives in a spirit of boldness and bravery. Perhaps, our pasts have been so profoundly painful it stifles our ability to progress forward. Another reason could be the unwillingness to forgo and forgive and make room for a positive future. Finally, making personal advances, many are relying solely on their inner strength and resolve to make significant changes in 2022.
In my personal life, I seek God as my Master Conductor and Coordinator. He is ordering each of my steps allowing me the free will to be obedient and in alignment with Him. I must tell you…that is no easy task. Living my life as a Believer of Christ is probably the most difficult thing to do but it’s made easier knowing that all that I need is a prayer away! I admit there have been many moments in my life when I was a bit nervous about taking the extra step in my career or hesitated to share my emotions with a loved one at the risk that it may change our relationship. Those kinds of indecisions resulted in gaps in my career and broken relationships. But this kind of nervousness can be overcome.
There is good news! You too can live with exuberance and thrive in every area of your life once you get out of your mind that God does not operate in our lives in distress, fear, worry or anxiety. In fact, it is the opposite – God operates and permeates our actions with His power, His love, and His self-discipline or self-control. These three action words are authoritative and prevails over all our worries.
The apostle Paul wrote in one of his many letters to his young protégé, Timothy, many words of encouragement including For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. You may be saying to yourself, “Yeah, sure. Easier said than done”. And in many cases in our lives, it might be that but not in the context of Paul and Timothy’s relationship. At the time of this writing, Paul was once again imprisoned because of his daring to continue the teachings of Jesus Christ to Believers. Young Timothy witnessed the atrocities of an oppressive regime and the impact it had on his elder and mentor. Due to the very tyrannical religious and political environment of the time, many would have hidden behind their doors and worshipped in secret, and many probably did. Instead, Paul took a different approach. In addition, he continued teaching, writing, and mentoring young leaders, like Timothy. Paul was unapologetic about communicating his feelings of love and renewed life in Christ. Sharing this good news during these uncertain times, did not deter him. In fact, it empowered him to do more. Not only because he believed God infuses us with power, love, and self-discipline/self-control but because Paul knew his actions needed to demonstrate those elements. The only way to express the love of Christ is to model the love of Christ. in the same way we can express the boldness of Christ is to model the power of the Christ.
Recently, I have had to approach my career with new 2022 boldness. I have written about this in a prior blog – You can take THIS JOB and shove it! A quick backstory: after seven years in one position, I was growing weary of the work, and I had hit a ceiling both in skillset and compensation. I boldly approached the Human Resources director with my thoughts and intentions to possibly resign. I did not expect any special incentives, but the favor of God prevailed. One of the business heads, offered to create a position within her department for me. I made sure to request any transition to another position would have to include a promotion and appropriate compensation. During the time since my first conversation with human resources and the time I finally received the newly minted job description, I was distracted. I was nervous about whether the new gig would materialize. Despite the conversations and interviews for my replacement, I still wallowed in anxiety because I was unsure the new position would be a good fit and I questioned my abilities. I even allowed pride and ego to supplant God’s favor. I risked my transition because I relied more on my pride and less on God’s power, love, and self-discipline/self-control. I started dissecting my approach. Step out on faith; that’s power – check. I was respectful and did not resort to criticism with friends and colleagues (although tempting); that’s love – check. But my self-discipline was not where it should have been. I was lamenting. I was kicking myself in the pants about every aspect of my work. In fact, I even began questioning my purpose and whether I was in concert with God’s will for my life. It was nerve-racking. Where is the self-control in that? The moment I got on my knees and made a conscious decision to give way to greatness and stop operating in fear, the doubts disappeared. The moment I accepted God’s favor to remain at my workplace with a new opportunity which could possibly expand into another career, my worries went out the window. Finally, the peace of God surpassed my understanding. The truth is – God will always outdo and outperform what the world will offer.
This was a unique situation to me. It may not work that way for you. But I dare you to live out your life with a fearless approach in all areas. Whether in the choices you make with your social relationships, professional and career development, spiritual growth, healthy relationships, physical health and well-being, or other, be determined to move forward. Take an active step forward toward achieving the best you desire for yourself. Second, establish a firm relationship with God who is the Ruler and Sustainer of all. Third, rely firmly upon God’s promises to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ever imagine or think. Finally, operate in a manner that is fearless and free of timidity and anxiety and operate from a place where power, love and self-discipline/self-control shines through.
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 