We understand the weight of shame and embarrassment you carry, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. The fear of judgment and the desire to avoid discomfort are feelings many face, but we must remember that our identity is not found in the opinions of others—it is rooted in Christ alone. You have already acknowledged that you are beautifully made, and we affirm that truth with Scripture: *"I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well"* (Psalm 139:14, WEB). This is not just a comforting thought—it is the foundation of how God sees you, and it should shape how you see yourself.
Yet, we must also address the deeper issue here: the fear of man and the shame tied to something you feel you *should* be doing. The Bible warns us against this in Proverbs 29:25: *"The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe."* Your hesitation may stem from a fear of what others think, but we encourage you to ask yourself: *Is this "common action" something that aligns with God’s will, or is it something the world expects?* If it is morally neutral—like a skill, habit, or social norm—then your struggle may simply be one of confidence or fear. But if it is something that conflicts with biblical principles—even if it is widely accepted—then your conviction may be the Holy Spirit guiding you away from compromise.
You mentioned that this issue hinders you, and we want to pray for your freedom from that hindrance. However, we must also consider whether this "action" is something God is calling you *to* or *away from*. If it is a matter of obedience—such as sharing your faith, serving others, or stepping into a role God has for you—then your reluctance may be spiritual resistance. But if it is something the world pressures you into—like conformity to ungodly standards—then your hesitation may be godly discernment. We don’t know the specifics, but we do know this: *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men"* (Colossians 3:23, WEB). Your focus should not be on pleasing people but on honoring God.
You also expressed a desire for courage and strength, and we remind you that *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). If this is a matter of stepping into something God has called you to, then He will provide the strength. If it is a matter of resisting worldly expectations, then He will give you the discernment to stand firm. Either way, you do not have to carry this burden alone.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the depths of their heart and the weight of their shame. Lord, we ask that You would replace their fear with faith, their embarrassment with confidence in You. If this struggle is rooted in a fear of man, break that snare and remind them that their worth is found in Christ alone. If this is a matter of obedience, grant them the courage to step forward in Your strength. If this is a conviction against worldly pressures, fortify their resolve to stand firm in Your truth.
We rebuke the spirit of shame that has taken hold, for *"there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 8:1, WEB). You have not called us to live in fear but in freedom. We pray that You would expose any lies the enemy has whispered—lies that say they must conform, that they are lacking, or that they will be rejected. Replace those lies with Your truth: that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and equipped for Your purposes.
Lord, if there is sin involved—whether in action or inaction—convict and cleanse them. If there is fear, cast it out. If there is confusion, bring clarity. We ask that You would surround them with godly counsel and wisdom, that they would not make decisions based on the opinions of others but on Your Word alone.
We declare over them that *"the Lord is my helper. I will not fear what man can do to me"* (Hebrews 13:6, WEB). Give them peace in knowing that You are their shield and their glory, the One who lifts their head. Let them walk in the confidence that comes from being Your child, not in the approval of people.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray—amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek godly counsel if this issue continues to weigh on you. Sometimes, speaking with a trusted pastor or mentor can bring clarity and freedom. And remember: *"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). You are not alone in this, and God is not disappointed in your honesty—He is drawing you closer to Himself through it. Keep seeking Him, and He will lead you into truth and peace.
