Eight Steps to Overcoming Fear

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Remember how, as a child, you discovered creative ways to avoid circumstances that created fear? Avoidance is a very strong defense mechanism against fear. If something causes fear, avoid it - pure and simple. Unfortunately the power of fear and the need to avoid fear cause us to lose sight of God’s promise to help us overcome fear.

Because fear can paralyze us, Satan has used fear to thwart our witnessing efforts. With a little help, we can overcome fear and become a more dynamic and positive influence for Christ. Here are some simple steps to releasing the grip fear can have on our lives, based on "Farewell to Fear," by Nelson L. Price.

1. Admit your fear. Fear is normal, so admit it and deal with it. Trying to convince yourself that you fear nothing is trying to say that God did not create you to have fear. You really can’t deal with fears until you admit that you experience fear.

2. Identify your fears. What makes you afraid? Try to put your fear into words. Then make a list of your fears and look at what you’ve written.

3. Analyze your fear. Why do you have this fear? What makes you fearful about this particular experience? Look deeper to identify the cause of the fear.

4. Isolate your fears. You may determine that several things - fear of failure, rejection and so forth - cause the fear. Develop a plan to deal with one specific fear for several weeks, or however long it takes to learn to control that fear.

5. Match Scriptures with your fears. God’s Word can provide clear and perfect assurances that can help us control our fears. We can find solutions to fear through the Word.

6. Discuss your fears. Talking about a fear with a friend helps us confront the fear and discover that we can overcome it. Share your concerns and let your friend share your burden and experiences. Often talking through a fear is a major step toward controlling that fear.

7. Pray about your fears. Allow God to share your fear with you, to lift some of the stress related to the fear, and provide the power through His Spirit to control the fear. Remember also that the friend with whom you spoke is an additional prayer warrior who will help you pray for strength.

8. Act against your fears. Sometimes the only way to take control over a fear is to face that fear head-on through actions. We must demonstrate to ourselves that we can defeat fear. If we fear witnessing, we need to witness to someone. Witness to a friend who already is a Christian and who agrees to help you deal with the fear. Then witness to a friend who needs Christ.

Witnessing and being a leader is not a solo task. God is always there. The only problem is that we just cannot let go and let God lead. When we do, God can do wonders!

Richard E. Dodge is a former editor in Leadership and Adult Publishing, LifeWay Church Resources, in Nashville, Tennessee. He presently serves as Education Consultant for the Georgia Baptist Convention. He and his wife, Joy, are members of Flat Creek Baptist Church, in Oakwood, Georgia.

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