Since the day that we were conceived and born into the world, we face changes. It starts with growing physically and mentally. There was a Greek philosopher named Heraclitus that said “the only constant in life is change”. Change is something that is necessary for us to continue living. But sometimes, change can be daunting. The hardest part tends to be the “what-ifs” than what is actual, so how can we overcome the fear of change? How can we combat this feeling that makes our stomach uneasy?
How To Overcome Fear Of Change
When we turn to the Word of God, the truth by which we live, there are many verses that tell us not to fear. It takes a quick google search to see that there are 365 verses in which we are told not to fear. That is one for every single day of the year. The Bible has men and women like us that faced the fears that we do. But God did not give us a spirit of fear and that includes the fear of change. To be overcomers, we will just look at one and take on the spirit that God did give us.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Take On The Spirit Of Power
If there is a word that is the opposite of fear, it would be power. One who wields power does not have fear because they have authority over that which is to fear. We can identify what it is that is causing fear in us. Whether it is a change of job, change from being in a relationship to becoming single, or a change of location from one that was comfortable into an unknown.
Maybe the change is not one that you did not expect, like a loss of a job. It could be a change that has to do with someone you love. Maybe it is that they’re finally leaving your sight. Change can come in different forms at any age and season in our lives. And no matter how experienced or tough we may be, it can cause fear of change. But no matter how big or little it is, name what it is anyways.
Then, you can name the power that has been given to you through Jesus Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in us when we accept Jesus. That same power that parted the sea and raised the dead! So while we in our own accord can feel all the human emotions of fear, we must acknowledge that it is an emotion. It is not the truth. What we feel does not make a change to be a reality. The truth says He has given us the power to defeat the power of our enemy.
I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you. - Luke 10:19 (CEV)
So for us to have the spirit of power, we need to trust the One that wields all the power. Through constancy and change, we can be confident that our God is powerful. After all, He made the world and He is sovereign over our situation. If Peter didn’t trust the power of Jesus, he would have missed out on being able to walk on water. And if Peter didn’t fear the wind but instead trusted in God’s power, he wouldn’t have sunk.
Read: Matthew 14:22-33
Take On The Spirit Of Love
When we take any step that is out of our comfort zone, it is good to know that we have a purpose. We can overcome our fear of change when we know the purpose of that change. Think about a person that you deeply love. If they were in danger, would you do what is in your power to help? Even if that may be something that you fear? Most of us would despite our fear because we love that person.
Love drives out fear. So whatever reason that you are having to have a change, think about what or who it is that you are doing it for. Even if that is because God is calling you for change for yourself. When you act out of love, it drives out fear.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
It is also important to know that God loves those that we love. We know of God’s love and what He did for us that proves His love. The Bible says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 (NIV)
So we can be sure that God’s love extends to those that we love. Take on the spirit of love and entrust your loved ones to His care, even if that included a change.
Take On The Spirit Of Self-disciple
If we can learn anything about change from God’s creations, it would be from the caterpillar. We learn from early on that the caterpillar has to go through a change where it becomes a chrysalis. And it is only by going through that change that it becomes a butterfly. Without that change, the caterpillar would not be able to grow from crawling the ground to flying in the sky.
God’s creation is intentional. When we open our eyes, we see that God speaks to us through them. God does not ask for a change without knowing what is on the other side of that change. If He asked for a change, we can be confident that He will not just forsake us along with the way. When we say we need to act in self-discipline, we need to have the discipline of faith despite how we feel. It does take self-discipline and a sound mind to choose faith. No matter our emotions and weaknesses, we need the self-discipline to choose not to fear.
What if the caterpillar refuses to become a chrysalis? How can we know what is on the other side of change if we are too afraid to take the steps? Fear is a liar and the enemy uses it often. Fear tells us of all the wrong things that could go wrong. It speculates all the unknown as daunting possibilities. That is why we need to be reminded that it is not a spirit that came from God. Instead, He gave us the spirit of self-discipline to choose faith and not buy into what fear is selling us.
It may take the self-discipline to read the Word or to go into prayer as soon as the emotion of fear sets in. It may take worship and speaking the truth out loud over your situation as soon as the very thought of fear re-enters your mind. God assures us again and again through the 365 verses. And we can use any to be our belt of truth.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Speak this truth:
- God will be with me
- He will strengthen me
- He will help me
- And He will withhold me
Why? Because He is my God.
Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Spirit that drives out fear. Thank you for the spirit of power, love, and of self-discipline that you have given me instead. I repent for forgetting Who you are and giving into fear. Thank you for your reminder and empower me to live by your truth today. In Jesus’s mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Recommendation
Knowing God starts with knowing His Word. If you don’t already own a Bible, there are many churches that give one for free. You can also download a YouVersion Bible App. Or if you’d like a physical copy, it can easily be found on amazon.