Read 2 Timothy 1:6-10.

When Jesus’ disciples were overwhelmed by a storm on the Sea of Galilee, He said to them, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26). Another time, when Jairus learned that his daughter had died, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). And when His own death loomed large and He knew He would soon return to the Father, He told His friends, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus was constantly telling people not to be afraid. Why? Because He knows that fear is one of the most powerful roadblocks in our walk with Him.

Are you afraid of what might happen to you in this life? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He is the author of life, and every detail of every life, including yours, is under His control.

Are you afraid of death? Jesus said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). On Easter morning, Jesus conquered the grave so that we can say with the apostle Paul, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Are you afraid of the unknown? Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). He is the Creator of time and space, the future and the past. Nothing is unknown to Him. Nothing comes as a surprise to our great Savior.

Remember this: No matter how natural it may seem in the moment, fear is not your friend. In fact, fear is a weapon in the hands of our enemy. Satan wants to crush your effectiveness, neutralize your impact, and paralyze your spiritual life. He wants to trap you in a prison of fear. But the Spirit of God within you is greater than the spirit of fear. That is why Paul reminded Timothy, “[T]he Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

There is only one antidote to fear—faith in Almighty God. When fear threatens to overtake you, call on Jesus—and remember the Lord who is always with you.

Prayer: Lord, help me to bring my fears to You, knowing that they will disappear in the light of Your glory. I will look to Jesus my Savior and take heart for the work You would have me do. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Never Give Up: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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