For the first 21 years of my life, I was afraid to speak, not knowing if I would suffer another stuttering fit when I opened my mouth. I knew what I wanted to say in my heart, but rarely could I verbalize what I wanted to express. After numerous embarrassing moments, I could have let fear overwhelm my soul, but my competitive nature refused to let me to give up trying.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.
Jesus compared the Devil to the father of all lies, John 8:44. One of Jesus’ disciples viewed this spiritual predator as an animal on the top of the food chain, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, 1 Peter 5:8. Meanwhile, the apostle Paul points to the angelic powers of this invisible creature, Ephesians 2:2. Since the Devil isn’t going anywhere, the next option is to begin by removing spiritual obstacles by facing your fears.
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God), Colossians 3:1-5.
Since God made every human being unique, fears vary from person to person. After being teased relentlessly as a child due to stuttering, I learned to stop caring about what other people think. The only person you can control is yourself and that’s hard enough as it is. Yet, if you don’t confront what you’re fearful of, your anxieties will only intensify. Therefore, arm yourself with the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 1:7, so that fear will be conquered, and obstacles vanquished.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 