What are the plans and purposes that God is calling you to do? Are you moving in that direction? Or is fear paralyzing you from pursuing the dreams that God has placed in you?

Is the spirit of fear trying to dictate decisions that you make? Fear of failure? Fear that you are not enough? Fear that you cannot make your dreams happen?  

Be encouraged that the spirit that God has placed in you is not timid and fearful! You don’t have to listen to the lies that the deceiver is trying to derail your destiny with. In Romans 8:9 Paul revealed that “the spirit of God dwells in you”. Having the Holy Spirit within us, as today’s scripture says, is having a spirit of power, love and a sound mind (the New International version says “self-discipline” instead of sound mind). God Himself has equipped us with His Spirit – we have God with us Emmanuel. We can pursue the plans He has for us without fear, and with ability, in a spirit of love, and with the self-discipline needed. Not only has He designed those plans but He has equipped us with His Holy Spirit to see them through.  

The scripture today is in itself a weapon against the spirit of fear. Other truths from God’s word can battle fear as well. Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Still another scripture in our arsenal is 1 John 4:18-19, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For Fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us.”

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for rebuking the spirit of fear and opening up deliverance in Jesus. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit gives power, love, and self-discipline. Help me remain free from fear through trust and obedience to Your Word and Your calling. Help me walk in Your power, love, and self-discipline. Help me to be truly disciplined not in religious ideas or traditions, but in the areas You specify that will produce good fruit in my life as I carry out the assignments You give me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Are you inspired to pursue a goal you believe is from God? Pray for power from the Holy Spirit to accomplish it. As you move forward, ask God to show you where you may not be loving God or your neighbor in your approach, and exercise self-discipline by seeking wise counsel and training as you prepare and proceed.