Fearless Forward: Conquering the Lies That Hold You Back
TODAY'S FOCUS IS: Trusting God Over the Enemy’s Whispered Lies
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear." —Hebrews 13:6
Men of God,
The new year continues to stretch before us, filled with unknowns. And you better believe that the enemy is already at work, whispering lies into your mind, trying to plant seeds of doubt, anxiety, and fear. He’s not creative—his tactics are old—but he is relentless. He knows that if he can get you to fear what might happen, you’ll hesitate. You’ll play it safe. You’ll shrink back into a life of mediocrity and self-preservation rather than stepping boldly into the adventure God has set before you.
Jesus warned us about the enemy:
“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
And one of the greatest lies he uses against men at the start of a new year is this: “Something bad is coming. You need to be afraid.”
You feel it, don’t you? That subtle voice in the back of your mind, telling you to worry about your finances, your health, your family, your job, the state of the world. The enemy capitalizes on the uncertainty of the future because he knows how much we crave control. And when we don’t feel in control, we become vulnerable to fear.
Rejecting Fear, Choosing Trust
Brothers, we have a choice. We can either let fear dictate our steps, pulling us into self-preservation and avoidance, or we can plant our feet, lift our heads, and walk boldly into the year ahead, trusting that no matter what comes, God is already there.
Fear will tell you to pull back—to cling to what’s comfortable. Maybe it’s work, where you feel competent. Maybe it’s distraction—scrolling endlessly, numbing out, ignoring the deeper questions. Maybe it’s old habits you swore you’d leave behind—alcohol, pornography, withdrawal from your family and community.
But God didn’t give you a spirit of fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
And He is calling you forward—not into a life of hesitation, but into adventurous expectation.
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’” (Romans 8:15-17 MSG)
Stepping Into the Unknown with Confidence
So, how do we practically move forward, refusing to let fear have the final word?
1. Name the Fear
What’s the enemy whispering to you? Is he telling you your marriage won’t last? That you won’t be able to provide for your family? That you’ll fail? That you’re not enough? Name it. Write it down. Expose it.
2. Declare the Truth
For every lie the enemy tells, there is a truth in God’s Word that destroys it. Fear says, “You are alone.” The truth says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Fear says, “You’re not enough.” The truth says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Find the truth, and declare it over your life.
3. Pray Boldly
Don’t just wish the fear away. Fight it. Declare your trust in God out loud. There is power in spoken truth. Pray a prayer of declaration, rejecting fear and standing on the promises of God.
4. Take the Next Step
Fear paralyzes. Faith moves. What is one step you need to take that fear has been holding you back from? Is it initiating that difficult conversation? Committing to spiritual discipline? Leading your family in prayer? Serving in your community? Take one bold step forward.
Challenge of the Week
Take 15 minutes today to write out your Declaration of Trust. Here’s a template to start with:
"Father, I refuse to let fear rule me this year. I know the enemy wants me to shrink back, but I choose to trust You. I declare that You are my provider, my protector, my strength, and my guide. Whatever comes this year, I will face it with faith, not fear. I stand on Your promises, and I step forward with confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Write it down. Speak it out loud. Share it with a brother in Christ. And walk boldly into this year.
Let’s Pray
Father God,
I reject the lies of the enemy and refuse to live in fear. I know that You are with me, that You go before me, and that You hold my future in Your hands. Strengthen my heart to trust You more. Help me step forward with boldness, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love. I choose faith over fear. I choose trust over control. And I choose to walk in the confidence that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This year isn’t just something to survive—it’s an opportunity to thrive. Stand firm. Trust God. And Let’s Get To Work!
So good!
Excellent! I just prayed this out loud. Thank you for sharing. 🙏