Rex
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us.
The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
Rex
I absolutely love Rex! Not only because he is a green plastic Tyrannosaurus rex from Mattel—which is already pretty great—but because I can relate so much to his fears.
Sometimes those fears are completely irrational. But as a low-key anxious kid growing up in the nineties, it was great seeing Rex try to handle his insecurities while having friends who supported him along the way!
In yesterday’s devotional, we discussed Jessie’s fear. Rex also experiences fear, but they show us two very different expressions of it: Jessie fears abandonment, while Rex fears inadequacy.
Rex constantly worries that he isn’t enough.
He worries that he isn’t scary enough.
He worries that he isn’t capable enough.
He worries that he simply isn’t good enough.
Yet despite those fears, Rex continues showing up. He perseveres. He doesn’t give up.
One of my favorite Toy Story shorts is Partysaurus Rex. After being criticized by the other toys, Rex decides to do basically the opposite of what he would normally do. The outcome is both hilarious and amazing!
It also shows us an important truth:
Courage doesn’t require the absence of fear. Courage is choosing to move forward even while fear is still present.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3–4
Notice that David doesn’t say, “If I am afraid.”
He says, “When I am afraid.”
Scripture doesn’t shame us for experiencing fear or pretend that faithful people never feel anxious. Instead, it teaches us what to do when fear shows up: We place our trust in God.
Paul gives us another direction:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7
Do you struggle with the fear of being inadequate, friend?
Do you worry that you aren’t capable enough, talented enough, brave enough, or simply good enough?
Those feelings may be real, but they do not get the final word. When fear tells you that you aren’t enough, take that fear to the One who is.
God has given us His Spirit—a Spirit of power, love, and self-control!
Notice that power doesn’t stand alone. God’s power is accompanied by love and self-control. Kingdom courage isn’t loud, reckless, or concerned with proving something. It is faithful, loving, and disciplined, even when our knees are shaking.
So, here is my challenge for you today:
Lean into the Spirit God has given you!
Be bold.
Be faithful.
Act in love.
Practice self-control.
You don’t have to feel fearless to live faithfully.
Go be courageous—even if your tiny plastic arms are shaking!
—Zac
Sometimes those fears are completely irrational. But as a low-key anxious kid growing up in the nineties, it was great seeing Rex try to handle his insecurities while having friends who supported him along the way!
In yesterday’s devotional, we discussed Jessie’s fear. Rex also experiences fear, but they show us two very different expressions of it: Jessie fears abandonment, while Rex fears inadequacy.
Rex constantly worries that he isn’t enough.
He worries that he isn’t scary enough.
He worries that he isn’t capable enough.
He worries that he simply isn’t good enough.
Yet despite those fears, Rex continues showing up. He perseveres. He doesn’t give up.
One of my favorite Toy Story shorts is Partysaurus Rex. After being criticized by the other toys, Rex decides to do basically the opposite of what he would normally do. The outcome is both hilarious and amazing!
It also shows us an important truth:
Courage doesn’t require the absence of fear. Courage is choosing to move forward even while fear is still present.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3–4
Notice that David doesn’t say, “If I am afraid.”
He says, “When I am afraid.”
Scripture doesn’t shame us for experiencing fear or pretend that faithful people never feel anxious. Instead, it teaches us what to do when fear shows up: We place our trust in God.
Paul gives us another direction:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7
Do you struggle with the fear of being inadequate, friend?
Do you worry that you aren’t capable enough, talented enough, brave enough, or simply good enough?
Those feelings may be real, but they do not get the final word. When fear tells you that you aren’t enough, take that fear to the One who is.
God has given us His Spirit—a Spirit of power, love, and self-control!
Notice that power doesn’t stand alone. God’s power is accompanied by love and self-control. Kingdom courage isn’t loud, reckless, or concerned with proving something. It is faithful, loving, and disciplined, even when our knees are shaking.
So, here is my challenge for you today:
Lean into the Spirit God has given you!
Be bold.
Be faithful.
Act in love.
Practice self-control.
You don’t have to feel fearless to live faithfully.
Go be courageous—even if your tiny plastic arms are shaking!
—Zac
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