Courage for the Call
11/19/2025
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Timothy was a young pastor carrying weight he didn’t feel ready for. Pressure from culture, intimidation from seasoned leaders, and the reality of spiritual warfare had taken a toll. Paul, his mentor, father in the faith, and friend, writes this verse like a hand on the shoulder and a reminder straight to the heart.
“Timothy, what God put in you is stronger than what’s coming against you.”
Maybe you’ve felt the same. You step into a room and doubt whispers, “Who do you think you are?” You start a new task God has assigned, and insecurity chimes in, “You’re not enough.” Fear always tries to shrink the calling God placed inside you.
But Paul reminds Timothy, as well as us, that fear isn’t from God. It never has been. What God has given us is a Spirit marked by power, love, and self-discipline.
Power, because the Holy Spirit equips us with strength beyond our natural capacity.
Love, because leadership without love becomes harsh, and love without courage becomes weak.
Self-discipline, because the faithful life is built not on passion alone, but on consistent daily choices.
I’m reminded of a moment when I stood at the threshold of a season God was calling me into, exciting, yes, but also overwhelming. Fear didn’t yell; it whispered. It showed up in questions like, “Are you really the right person for this?”
But then came the quiet, steady voice of the Spirit reminding me, “This calling wasn’t your idea. I equipped you for it before you even knew it existed.”
Fear may be loud, but the Spirit is stronger. Fear may suggest retreat, but the Spirit invites you to step forward, one Spirit-led, confident, disciplined step at a time.
Action Steps
• Write down one fear that has been holding you back. Name it. Expose it.
• Pray specifically for the Spirit’s power to overcome that fear today.
• Take one practical step, just one, in the direction of the calling you’ve been avoiding.
• Speak this aloud sometime today: “God has not given me a spirit of fear.”
Today’s Challenge
Do something today that fear has stopped you from doing.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Remind me that fear is not from You. Strengthen me to step boldly into what You’ve called me to do. Silence every lie of insecurity and help me walk in the confidence of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Timothy was a young pastor carrying weight he didn’t feel ready for. Pressure from culture, intimidation from seasoned leaders, and the reality of spiritual warfare had taken a toll. Paul, his mentor, father in the faith, and friend, writes this verse like a hand on the shoulder and a reminder straight to the heart.
“Timothy, what God put in you is stronger than what’s coming against you.”
Maybe you’ve felt the same. You step into a room and doubt whispers, “Who do you think you are?” You start a new task God has assigned, and insecurity chimes in, “You’re not enough.” Fear always tries to shrink the calling God placed inside you.
But Paul reminds Timothy, as well as us, that fear isn’t from God. It never has been. What God has given us is a Spirit marked by power, love, and self-discipline.
Power, because the Holy Spirit equips us with strength beyond our natural capacity.
Love, because leadership without love becomes harsh, and love without courage becomes weak.
Self-discipline, because the faithful life is built not on passion alone, but on consistent daily choices.
I’m reminded of a moment when I stood at the threshold of a season God was calling me into, exciting, yes, but also overwhelming. Fear didn’t yell; it whispered. It showed up in questions like, “Are you really the right person for this?”
But then came the quiet, steady voice of the Spirit reminding me, “This calling wasn’t your idea. I equipped you for it before you even knew it existed.”
Fear may be loud, but the Spirit is stronger. Fear may suggest retreat, but the Spirit invites you to step forward, one Spirit-led, confident, disciplined step at a time.
Action Steps
• Write down one fear that has been holding you back. Name it. Expose it.
• Pray specifically for the Spirit’s power to overcome that fear today.
• Take one practical step, just one, in the direction of the calling you’ve been avoiding.
• Speak this aloud sometime today: “God has not given me a spirit of fear.”
Today’s Challenge
Do something today that fear has stopped you from doing.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Remind me that fear is not from You. Strengthen me to step boldly into what You’ve called me to do. Silence every lie of insecurity and help me walk in the confidence of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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