ello friend, and welcome to Empowered Faith Media, where we share the perfect love of Christ in an imperfect world.

✨ FREE Resource for You: 40-Day Devotional Journal. Life gets loud when your heart feels spiritually dry or distant. This free devotional helps you reconnect with stillness, Scripture, and God’s voice. Download your copy today and begin a journey of renewal.

Fear vs. the Spirit of Fear

We’ve all been afraid at one time or another. Fear is part of how God wired us; it’s our body’s way of keeping us safe through the fight-or-flight system. That kind of fear tells us not to run into traffic, to be careful with fire, or to step back from a dangerous ledge. It’s protective, rooted in biology.

But the spirit of fear is something entirely different. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This kind of fear is not protective; it’s paralyzing. It’s the voice that says “you can’t,” the hesitation that stops you from stepping into God’s calling. It is not from God; it’s a tool of the enemy to keep us from walking in obedience and purpose.

How the Enemy Uses Fear to Distract Us

Satan knows that if he can keep us bound in fear, he can keep us from moving forward. Fear whispers:

• “What if you fail?”
  
• “What if people judge you?”
  
• “You’re not good enough.”
  

When we listen to those lies, we stop before we even start. But God calls us to move even when we’re afraid. As Joyce Meyer teaches: “Do it afraid.” And as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so beautifully said: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Faith isn’t about having the entire plan laid out; it’s about trusting the One who does.

Three Ways to Examine Our Fear and Take Tiny Steps of Faith

1. Pray and Identify the Source of Fear

Ask God: “Lord, is this protective wisdom from You, or is this the spirit of fear holding me back?”
Scripture: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)
  Journaling this question daily can help distinguish between protective caution and spiritual hindrance.

2. Take One Small, Brave Step

You don’t need to climb the whole staircase, just take the first step. That might mean signing up for the class, starting a new blog like this one when I was sure God was talking to someone else, making the phone call, or starting the conversation you’ve been avoiding.
Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
  God’s light shows us the next step, not the whole journey, and that’s enough.

3. Anchor Your Movement in Scripture

Replace fearful thoughts with God’s truth. When fear says “you can’t,” respond with: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Write down verses that speak courage into your heart, and declare them aloud when fear shows up.

Insight to Carry With You

Faith grows in motion. Each small step, taken in trust, weakens the enemy’s grip and strengthens your confidence in God’s plan. Remember: courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear, it means moving forward anyway, with God by your side.

Please share this post with someone you love ❤️

Let us know in the comments: What small step of faith are you taking this week?

And don’t forget to check out our new workbook: FREE 40-Day Devotional Journal. This guide will help you reconnect with Scripture, reflect on God’s promises, and build a rhythm of prayer and peace. ✨ Download your free copy today.

Until next time, my friend, take care of yourself and each other.

With Peace & Love,
Renee 💜

Resources:

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