Step Back Up to the Plate

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.”

Over the weekend, I had the chance to referee a couple of 1st and 2nd grade coach-pitch baseball games. While some of the kids were hitting the ball with confidence, I noticed one girl who seemed afraid of the ball. Each time the coach pitched, she would flinch and shy away. She never even got the chance to make contact because of the fear that held her back. I later found out that she was afraid because she had been hit with a baseball before. Now, every time she saw one coming near, it caused her to shy away from the pitch.

Maybe you are in a similar place today. It might not be a baseball that hit you, but you have been hit by life. An unexpected challenge came right out of left field, leaving you feeling hesitant to face what is coming next. This has led you to go into hiding and give up, giving up on trying in your relationships, trying on your dreams, trying to step out in faith, and doing something amazing for God.

But here’s the thing: God didn’t create us to live in hiding. He didn’t create us to live in fear of the next pitch. We already have the victory in Jesus. That means that even when life throws us a curveball, we can stand tall in the box, keep our eyes focused on Him, walk with our heads held high, and know that He is in control.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” That fear you feel, that hesitation, that’s not from God. What He gives is confidence rooted in His presence, His promises, and His purpose for your life.

Personally, I experienced this in 2020. Life was moving fast. I had just graduated with a ministry degree, gotten married, and left a dead-end job, confident I would step right into a pastoral role. But that didn’t happen. God had different plans. After six long months of unemployment, I finally landed a warehouse job. It wasn’t what I pictured, and honestly, it left me frustrated and afraid. So I pulled back. I stopped reading my Bible, and I started questioning my calling. I went into hiding.

But even there, God met me. Over time, He reminded me that my calling wasn’t limited to a job title. Today, I may not have the official “pastor” title, but I know I’m called to pastor and lead the people around me in my workplace, in my community, in my writing, and in everyday life.

So today, remember that confidence isn’t about never being scared again. It’s about refusing to let fear call the shots. It’s about stepping back into the batter’s box, trusting that God is with you, and swinging anyway. You may have been hit before, but that doesn’t mean you’re out. With Jesus, you’re victorious.

The Bigger Picture: Confidence is about trusting God enough to step back up to the plate when fear is telling you to stay on the bench.