Courage in the Face of Fear
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Nineteen years ago, my wife and I were newly married, working part-time jobs, and living on a shoestring budget while I attended school full-time. We had just moved a few months earlier for me to pursue my education when we found out, quite unexpectedly, that we were pregnant.
In that moment, my mind raced with questions I couldn’t answer. How could we afford a baby? Where would we find the time, the energy, or the resources? Needless to say, we were overwhelmed and unsure of what the future would hold. But, in the middle of all the fear and uncertainty, one truth anchored us: God is faithful and every single life he creates is sacred.
That tiny, unexpected life we were so scared to welcome into the world is now an 18-year-old young woman who will graduate from high school in May. I cannot imagine our lives without her. She is a daily reminder that God’s plans are always far better than our own and that fear does not get the final say. Faith does.
Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, he equips us with power, love, and self-control. That truth matters for all of us, but especially for the women and men who walk through the doors of our centers facing unplanned pregnancies. Their fears are real, but so is God’s presence. His Spirit brings courage to choose life, power to walk forward, love to sustain them, and wisdom for the journey ahead.
Every story matters. Every life is precious. And, when fear threatens to drown out hope, we can point back to the One who replaces fear with peace, and panic with purpose.
Let’s keep being a voice of encouragement, a place of support, and a reminder that God is with every client we serve. He is always faithful.
