Fear causes us to settle—accepting lives we don’t want, clinging to what’s familiar, even when it doesn’t serve us. We shrink back because we doubt our worth or don’t trust God’s promises. This mindset is a trap, one that can rob you of your potential, stunting your growth and keeping you from the extraordinary life that’s waiting for you.
Too many are waiting for someone to give them permission to be great. But here’s the truth: You don’t need permission from anyone—because greatness already lives inside you. God planted it there. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
So, who are you going to believe? The God who created you with purpose, or the voices of those you’ve let speak doubt and fear into your life? Understand this: the devil doesn’t want you to rise. His mission is to keep you in bondage by whispering lies that you aren’t good enough, that you’re destined for mediocrity.
But God’s truth is louder than any lie. As an author of several books, I’ve lived through moments where I couldn’t see beyond my own limitations. There were times I sabotaged my own potential, afraid to step into the greatness I knew was within me. I remember a day in college, standing with friends, declaring that I would one day write books. And someone laughed. He said it would never happen. In that moment, I had a choice: to accept the limitation someone else tried to place on me, or to believe in what I knew God had placed in my heart.
And here’s what I’ve learned: there will always be people—sometimes those closest to you—who will doubt your dreams, who will tell you “you can’t.” Friends, family, even people in the church. But the only voice that truly matters is God’s. He has gifted each one of us with something special—a talent, a purpose, something designed to bring Him glory.
So, what’s your gift? What has God called you to that you’ve been too afraid to pursue? Has fear paralyzed you? Have you convinced yourself that greatness is for other people, but not for you?
Why haven’t you given yourself permission to be great?
It’s time to stop letting fear hold you hostage. Today is the day to step out in faith and walk in the purpose God has created you for. No more excuses. No more holding back. God didn’t create you for mediocrity—He created you for greatness. It’s time to rise. It’s time to use the gifts He gave you.
You were made for more.
You’ve got this.