Today we'll be discussing a topic that is close to the heart of many of us – Overcoming Fear. Fear is a powerful emotion that can keep us from achieving our goals and reaching our potential. But we can overcome it, and today we'll be discussing how working on and investing in a positive mindset is crucial to do so. We'll also be looking at examples of leaders in the Bible who overcame fear and followed God's plan for their lives.
Let's start with the importance and value of working on a positive mindset. Our minds are powerful and they can shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. A positive mindset enables us to see the good in situations, and focus on our strengths instead of our weaknesses. It helps us to have hope and to believe that good things can happen, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. In Philippians 4:8, Paul reminds us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Now let's look at some examples of leaders in the Bible who overcame fear and followed God. In the Old Testament, we see the story of Moses who was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses was afraid and uncertain about his ability to lead but God reminded him that He would be with him. In Exodus 4:12, God says to Moses, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Another example is Joshua, who was chosen by God to lead the Israelites after Moses. Joshua had big shoes to fill and he must have felt overwhelmed at the prospect of leading such a large group of people. But God encouraged him to be strong and courageous and to trust in Him. In Joshua 1:9, God says to Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
We also have the example of Esther, who risked her life to save her people from annihilation. Esther was afraid of approaching the king to ask for help but she knew that she had to do something. In Esther 4:14, her uncle Mordecai says to her, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther was able to overcome her fear and trust in God's plan for her life.
Fear can be a stumbling block to our growth and success, but we can overcome it by investing in a positive mindset and trusting in God. Let us remember the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
I'd like to add another example of a leader in the Bible who overcame fear and followed God's plan. Her name is Deborah, and her story can be found in the book of Judges.
Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel. She was a wise and courageous leader who helped her people to overcome their enemies. In Judges 4:4-7, it says, "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, 'The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.'"
Deborah's leadership was crucial in the victory of the Israelites over their enemies. She was not afraid to take charge and to trust in God's plan for her people. Her story is an inspiration to us all, especially women, that we can be powerful leaders when we follow God's call and trust in His strength.
I want to emphasize the importance of actively working on our mindset. We've talked about how a positive mindset can help us overcome fear, but it's not always easy to maintain a positive outlook. That's why it's important to take intentional steps to cultivate a positive mindset in our daily lives.
One of the best ways to do this is by having quiet time with God daily. Spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to His voice can help us to center our thoughts on His truth and wisdom. In Psalm 46:10, God says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Taking time to be still and quiet before God can help us to hear His voice and to receive His peace.
Another way to cultivate a positive mindset is by getting a great coach or accountability partner. Having someone who can encourage us, challenge us, and hold us accountable can help us to stay on track and to push through difficult times. In Proverbs 27:17, it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." When we have someone who can sharpen us, we can become stronger and more resilient.
Finally, it's important to surround ourselves with great positive people. The people we spend time with can have a big impact on our mindset and our outlook on life. When we surround ourselves with positive, supportive, and encouraging people, we are more likely to feel inspired, motivated, and hopeful. In Proverbs 13:20, it says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Spending time with people who lift us up can help us grow and thrive.
Cultivating a positive mindset takes effort, but it's worth it. By having quiet time with God daily, getting a great coach or even an accountability partner, and surrounding ourselves with positive people, we can build a foundation of strength and resilience that will help us to overcome fear and to thrive in every area of our lives.
I want to leave you with a powerful quote about overcoming fear. It's from Nelson Mandela, who said, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
We all experience fear at some point in our lives, but it's how we respond to it that truly matters. By investing in a positive mindset, seeking God's guidance, and surrounding ourselves with positive people, we can conquer our fears and become the strong, courageous women that God has called us to be.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the Masterpiece Women podcast. We hope that you have found it helpful and inspiring. Join us again next time as we continue to explore topics that are relevant to our lives as Christian Women Leaders. Until then, may God bless you and keep you.
