When fear takes control, God just crushes it.

None of us are immune from feeling unsettled at times. Circumstances have a way of knocking us off balance. How we respond not only affects our lives, but those who are watching us.

In the film “The Patriot,” a colonial militia leader sees the British kidnap his son. Taking the two younger sons with him, they wait in ambush in the forest. One of the sons is rattled and crying, so the father puts his hands on the boy’s shoulders, looks him in the eyes, and says, “Steady.” Fear drains from the boy’s face.

In that moment of terror for the whole family, the father’s example won the day, and their day ended well.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we learn the source of calm. It says this: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and a sound mind.”

God has given you a spirit of power, love, and a good mind. So don’t let fear, the enemy, or the world intimidate you when it comes to sharing your faith. Speak God’s truth with boldness and love. Your moment will come one day, and by keeping in mind the truth of God’s word, courage will overcome fear.

Notice the qualities mentioned in Second Timothy. God has actually given us courage, but also power, and a sound mind—also phrased as self-discipline. And discipline will help keep you steady in a crisis. That spirit of power actually does our fighting for us, and it is the enemy who is afraid.

Let’s pray.

Father, you are good to us. Just as Jesus modeled for us how to handle fear when he prayed in the garden, we know that you have our back, and we can be courageous. Thank you for a sound mind and a calm heart in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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