I learned that when we step out in faith, God gives us what we need.
I was startled and excited to see a young man I went to high school with entering our single adult class at church. I’d always liked him and hadn’t seen him since graduation. Smiling, I welcomed him, saying, “Hi; remember me? We went to high school together.” He responded, “Oh yeah, but I don’t remember ever hearing you speak.”
Ouch! His statement crushed my heart. I thought of him as a friend, but I realized he never really knew me.
Moving from a small country school with about ten kids in my 4th-grade class to a town school with around sixty 5th graders set me back. I was shy but comfortable with a small group of friends I knew well. But, in my new environment, I shrank into a corner and became an observer. Painful shyness took over and left me unable to talk to strangers; the thought of standing before a group terrified me.
As I grew older, I often retreated into a fantasy world where I could control and create my own reality. I would also escape into novels, television, and movies. Therefore, I didn’t learn to talk to others. Content to speak with family or a few close friends, I avoided situations where I might be expected to carry on a conversation or where all eyes would be on me.
When I went on my first date in ninth grade, I racked my brain trying to think of what to say, but I just didn’t know. I probably said five words the whole evening. I didn’t date again until my senior year.
At the age of thirteen, believing Jesus Christ died and rose again for my salvation, I yielded my heart to Him. Concerning my extreme shyness and fear of people, I decided, “God made me this way. There’s nothing I can do about it.” I avoided bringing attention to myself and dodged ever getting in front of a group.
A month from my 18th birthday, I moved into a college dorm. I began attending a student union connected with my church’s denomination. I enjoyed the safe and familiar atmosphere until I noticed students taking turns giving testimonies during their noonday meetings.
Terrified that someone would ask me to share, I stopped going. My heart pounded as I imagined someone asking me to speak before the group. Refusing to take the risk, I trudged back to my room after class each day for at least a month with my head down, feeling lonely and miserable. Convinced God made me shy, I remained stuck in my timidity, feeling fearful and awkward.
Longing for some comfort and wisdom, I prayed and searched Scripture. One day, a particular verse stood out to me like a neon light. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV). Boom! The truth hit me: God didn’t give me a spirit of fear or “make me this way.” I realized that if God doesn’t give me fear, it’s coming from the enemy, Satan: the thief who comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 NIV).
It’s true that God made me an introverted and reserved person, but not one bound by fear and timidity. I began to pray and ask God for courage.
I believed His Word and claimed this truth revealed in Scripture: God hadn’t given me a spirit of fear and timidity. He had given me power and self-discipline. I asked Him to give me the courage to return and give my testimony. Having recently learned more about spiritual warfare and how Satan works to deceive us, I also claimed this verse: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NIV).
I prayed something similar to this: “Father, thank You that You did not give me a spirit of fear. Please fill me with Your Spirit and help me rely on You for courage. Satan, leave me alone. I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ.”
The next day, I returned to the student union and volunteered to speak at the noonday service. In spite of my nervousness, I shared this testimony, telling them about my struggle and God’s revelation. I learned His strength releases me from the bonds of fear and crippling timidity. Many listeners responded with enthusiasm and encouragement. Joy filled my soul, and I felt free!
I didn’t suddenly become an extrovert. I’m still reserved and quiet. But timidity has never again held me captive.
I spent seventeen years as a school librarian and taught classes. For the past 19 years, I’ve worked as a substitute teacher. Through the years, I’ve given testimonies, taught Bible studies, and led groups. In earlier years, I never would have believed that was possible. Still today, I often step in front of a group, trusting in His strength, not my natural abilities.
I overcame the lie in my life with God’s truth. Does a lie have you captive?
To overcome a lie that has you in its grip:
1. Identify the Lie
If something you believe puts you in bondage rather than helping you live in freedom, you may be deceived.
Scripture tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NIV): freedom from the bondage and penalty of sin and freedom from the burden of the law. Christ wants us to live by the Spirit, who enables us to love and serve others with joy. He helps us live as our true selves.
Is an untruth keeping you from living freely in Christ?
2. Search Scripture to Find Truth
Study the Bible to learn what God says about what you’re believing. Read Scripture daily and ask God to reveal the truth to you. When a verse stands out to you, read the context to understand the full meaning. Find some reliable commentaries if you’re unsure. Enduring Word is a great free online commentary.
New Testament writer Paul taught: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
3. Claim the Truth in Jesus’ Name
When you know the truth according to God’s Word, begin to speak that truth in your heart. Pray about it. Memorize it. Meditate on what it means for your life. Talk to other Christians and ask them to pray for you.
Paul urges us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
4. Resist the Devil's Lies
When you feel the enemy come against you and try to pull you back to the lie, resist him. Stand firm in faith and cling to the name of Jesus.
Jesus is our example of using Scripture to resist Satan. When the devil came to tempt Him to turn stones into bread and use His power for himself, Jesus responded, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV). Each time the devil tempted Him, Jesus answered with Scripture.
5. Step Out in Faith
Take the initiative. Stepping out in faith, and believing God for courage, broke the grip of timidity on me, allowing me to speak in front of the group. Freedom came after I volunteered to share my testimony. I learned that when we step out in faith, God gives us what we need.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/spfoto
Susan Aken writes devotions and articles for Wholly Loved Ministries, is an Oklahoma native who’s lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Besides writing she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
