A young artist felt overwhelmed by the competitive nature of her field. Struggling and without a sale for months, fear of failure clouded her dreams, threatening to stifle her future.

One evening, sitting in front of her canvas, teary-eyed and feeling uninspired, she cried out to God, “I don’t have money for rent; I’m at the end of my strength. Please help me. I need a miracle.”

Looking up, her eyes caught the framed words on her wall from Jeremiah 19:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

She felt a shift in her mind. Until that moment, the artist had painted only abstract and melancholy pictures. Inspired, she ventured into something new.

She began to paint not what she feared—rejection, uncertainty, confusion, and criticism—but a scene filled with hope and light. When she finished, she stepped back and observed her creation. A profound peace washed over her.

She confidently priced the painting high and listed a small quantity as an exclusive on her website. It sold out before the end of the day.

Her artwork transformed, and so did her career. It looks like people were looking for hope after all.

She realized that her worries had been projecting failure into her future, echoing Job’s lamentation, “What I feared has come upon me.”

Motivated, she chose to shift her focus from her fears to her faith.

Our minds can project our worst fears into reality, leading us to lament, “Just as I feared, this terrible thing has happened.” However, when we lean into Christ, draw near to Him, and focus on His promises, we can break free from the paralyzing grip of fear. His word assures us of His protective plans to prosper us, providing hope and a promising future.

Today, I encourage you to lean into Christ amid your fears. Trust in His word and provision. Make a conscious effort to change your thought process to one that is full of life.

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to remove every fear from my heart and fill me with renewed hope and confidence that you are with me, and I will not fail. Help me to continue to walk in faith and fix my eyes on you, trusting in your perfect plan for me. Amen!