Your Shyness is Holding You Back - What Causes Shyness? / From A Christian Perspective
“When you’re shy, you miss out on opportunities” That’s what God told me when I let shyness get in the way of what I wanted to do.
Shyness of not of God. It’s a characteristic that works in the devil's favor and against you.
I looked up the word fear and I learned that shyness is an offspring of fear. I say this because another word for “shy” is “fearful.”
Learning this, I was reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7. This verse lets us know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Looking in my King James Study Bible concordance, I read a definition of fear that I want to share with you. It says: “Fear signifies awe regarding what is unknown, potentially dangerous, or terror inspired by one’s enemies (Psalm 56:4). The devil inspires fear.
When I read that, the Lord placed this on my heart: We need to overcome shyness and fear because God is always calling us to places that are unknown to us. One way that the devil holds us back is through shyness. He uses shyness to steal, kill, and destroy our destiny and delay the plans God has in store for you, be reminded of Jeremiah 29:11. God has an expected end in store for you. Will you allow shyness to steal that from you?
Reading the definition of fear in my King James study Bible concordance, I gained an understanding of why the devil uses the spirit of fear on repeat. The devil’s goal is to keep us where we are when God is calling us higher.
My questions to you are:
What are the things that you are shy and fearful about?
How are they tied to God answering your prayers and giving you an opportunity to do what you have been praying for?
Think about it:
Have you been praying for friendships and community? Did you get invited to a gathering but refuse to go because you are shy and uncomfortable around people?
Has God called you to start a ministry or a business but you haven’t started because you are fearful that you’ll fail?
Have you been seeking God about how you can serve and use your gifts at church? You got asked to lead or be a part of a ministry at church but said no and deep down, you were uncomfortable, fearful of the unknown, or fearful of failing in front of your church members?
This is an eye-opener:
These are some of the ways the devil uses fear and shyness to hold you back from what you have been praying for, from what God has in store for you.
Embrace The New You:
I challenge you to break up with the spirit of fear and shyness. Renounce that spirit by coming out of agreement with it. Stop saying you're shy and start saying that you are bold (Joshua 1:9). Stop saying that you are fearful and start saying that you have power (2 Timothy 1:7). Come in agreement with the spirit of boldness and courage. Start saying yes to the opportunities that align with what you have been praying for.
Keep this in mind:
When offered an opportunity or invited somewhere and you feel like saying no, evaluate your heart to see if fear and shyness are influencing your decision. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for the root of your desire to say no because only He can bring things hidden in your heart to light.
Today's Verse: Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Prayer
Abba Father, I thank You for today's word of knowledge. I have been operating less than because I was walking with fear and shyness but no more. Today I have decided to walk in who I am as Your daughter, one who is bold, strong, and courageous. One who takes all opportunity that aligns with where You are leading me. Today I put on a new man, the man that was made in Your image and likeness. One that is not fearful or shy. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Today's Confession:
I am no longer walking in agreement with fear or shyness. I have decided to come into agreement with God's truth (John 17:17) to be strong, and courageous (Joshua 1:9) and walk in the power that God has given me (2 Timothy 1:7).
Helpful Resource:
Watch this teaching to learn 3 strategies to help you overcome fear, Choosing to Overcome Fear
I'll see you in tomorrow's devotional
Sereca,
Getting My Life Together