“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
I remember a public speaking class I took while in college over 20 years ago. The course was going to help me get over the fear of talking in front of people. I was so determined that on the first day of class, I told the professor, “I’m going to make an A in your class, and you’re going to challenge me like no other!” She looked at me with a smile and said, “Challenge you, I will!”
My first speech was on the importance of laughter. I knocked it out of the park. The professor then challenged me for my next speech to share something more personal. I shared about Jesus. I remember stepping to the podium — my heart full and my thoughts clear. “Some of us are walking around covering our lights,” I started. “We don’t want to stand out; we’re just blending in, hoping no one sees that we are a Christian.” As I spoke, I saw a mixture of smiles, teary eyes, angry looks, and blank stares. I continued to share what I believed God wanted me to say and then sat down. After class, one by one, students came to me and thanked me.
I thought I had a fear of speaking in front of people, but I soon learned that those fears were false. I discovered the real me enjoys communicating and connecting with people. The real me is not afraid to speak.
Every fear in your life was either learned hrough past experiences or placed on you by others projected fears. But they are not who you are. The real you is amazing, beautiful, and confident. My sister, you are who God said you are. I challenge you to begin to confront every fear. Step to the podium of life with a full heart and a clear mind. Discover the real you!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for speaking to my heart. I pray that you help me to face the fears that have been plaguing me. Help me step to the podium of life and say what you give me to say and do what you’ve called me to do. Help me to discover more of who I am in you and who you are in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
