Finding the Strength to Bear Witness

05/14/24 – 05/22/24

Overcoming Insecurities

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/22/24

Is fear standing in your way of accomplishing great things for God? Do you pray for opportunities to share Christ but find that, when the time comes, you are too timid to speak up? Everyone experiences fears and doubts.

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we see that even this young apprentice of Paul fought his own personal insecurities. Paul encourages Timothy: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:7-8).

During Paul’s time, Christians faced hardships and persecution. Today is no different. Around the world, people are risking everything to share the Gospel. While you may never face imprisonment for your faith, you no doubt find other difficulties in ministering to others: hostile responses, ridicule, or rejection. You may fear saying the wrong thing or feel insecure about approaching the topic of faith—not knowing where to begin.

But whenever God calls us to a task—and we all are called to be witnesses for Christ—He will equip us and prepare us to do His work. No matter what the circumstances, no matter what our fears, God can overcome them if we allow His Spirit to work through us.

Prayer: God, thank You for giving me the Spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. Help me to allow Your Spirit to work in me to overcome any fears that may hold me back from being a witness for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).