Most of my family members were in fear but I decided to be...
1. Do what you are afraid of.
More people fear public speaking than anything else including death and loneliness. No one wants to stand up in front of people and make a fool of themselves. As a pastor I have to stand in front of a crowd of people and deliver a message on a weekly bases so it's not nearly as scary as it was at one time in my life. There was a time when I couldn't stand before an audience without my body trembling in fear.
I overcame this fear during a summer internship with Nancy Harmon Ministries. Nancy would call us out randomly by name in the middle of a worship service to share. We never knew when it was coming so we had to be prepared at all time. When we would ask her why she did this, she would respond,
"the only way to overcome fear is to do what you are afraid of."
This truth has helped me overcome fear in so many other areas in life including public speaking and I believe it will do the same for you. Go do what you are afraid of!
2. Know the source of fear.
The bible tells us in 2Timothy 1:7 that fear is a Spirit that God didn't give us. So if this crippling spirit didn't come from God than it had to of come from the devil. God gives perfect gifts that are good in every way (James 1:17). The devil is the one seeking to steal from us (John 10:10). I don't know about you, but I don't want anything from the devil including his fear. Choose today to reject fear and accept the beautiful things God has in store for you.
3. Know how much God loves you.
God loves us with a love that is perfect. That means His love will never fail in any way. When His love is received and embraced it drives out all fear. When we place our trust in God's promises and see them as already done it leaves fear with no place.
There was a time my dad was in the hospital and the doctor gave him a bad report. He was suffering from a heart and lung disease. Fluid was filling up his body and he needed a miracle. Most of my family members were in fear but I decided to be in faith. My state of rest in God's love appeared to them as lack of concern or love for my dad. That was not the truth. I loved my dad then like I do now but I chose to trust God and receive His peace. God gave my dad a miracle and he is doing great today!
4. Address fear with words.
Words are powerful. Our words have creative and destructive power. The things we are experiencing today were built by the words we spoke yesterday. Jesus handled the devil and all negative situations by speaking the right words to them. He addressed things by declaring God's word over them. He commanded the storms to cease and they did so. He told Lazarus to come forth and he rose from the dead. He looked at the paralyzed man and said "take up your bed and walk," and he did! Jesus used words to bring victory in his life and the lives of others.
If we are going to be victorious in life we must learn how to speak the right way. When I first started leading worship I would get so nervous. There were times I wanted to call in sick before leading a set because of fear. My stomach would start hurting and dread would fill my mind at the thought of singing in front of people. I had a choice to make. I could have given into the fear and allowed it to rob me and others of God's beautiful plan or resist it and press through with faith.
So with my stomach hurting and lips trembling I spoke to the fear.
I would say "God hasn't given me a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind!" I'd say "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" Then I would address fear by saying to it "fear go in Jesus name you have no place here!"
As soon as I would start singing the fear would be gone and peace would fill my heart. I had to do this for several months before leading a worship set. Today when I lead, fear is no longer a temptation. I have overcome it in that area of my life. This is because I chose to resist it by speaking to it instead of surrendering to it four years ago. Use your words! Address your fears and you will overcome them!
I declare today is the last day fear has any control over you! You will succeed in everything God has placed in your heart to accomplish!