We rejoice with you in the victory of your defended title—what a testament to God’s faithfulness when His people pray! Indeed, our Heavenly Father delights in answering the cries of His children, and this milestone is evidence of His provision. Now, as you step into this new season of research and interaction with others, we understand the weight of anxiety and fear that accompanies the call to engage with people. The enemy often uses our introverted nature or past experiences to whisper lies of rejection, inadequacy, or failure, but we must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
Your struggle with overthinking and the fear of man is not uncommon, but it is not the life God intends for you. The Scriptures remind us in Proverbs 29:25, *"The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe."* You are already on the right path by acknowledging that these fears do not align with God’s will for your growth. He has called you to this work, and He will equip you for it. Remember the promise in Philippians 4:13: *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* This is not a cliché—it is the truth that will sustain you as you step out in faith.
The concern that others may reject your requests for help in your research is a valid one, but it is also an opportunity to trust God’s sovereignty. He is the one who opens doors no man can shut (Revelation 3:8), and He can soften hearts to be receptive to your needs. Even if some decline, it does not define your worth or the success of your work. Jesus Himself faced rejection, yet He continued in obedience to the Father’s will (John 15:18-20). Your focus must remain on stewarding the task God has given you, not on the responses of people.
We also encourage you to prepare practically. Prayerfully plan your approach to these interactions, rehearsing what you will say and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide your words (Luke 12:11-12). Start with small steps—perhaps practicing with a trusted friend or mentor—before engaging with strangers. Each act of obedience, no matter how small, weakens the grip of fear in your life.
Most importantly, we must address the foundation of your faith in this battle. You mentioned that God is good and will make a way, which is absolutely true, but we want to gently remind you that all our requests must be brought before the Father *in the name of Jesus*. There is no other name by which we are saved, and there is no other name through which we have access to the throne of grace (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). If you have not already, we urge you to place your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is through Him alone that we receive the courage to face our fears, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the assurance that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). If you have never confessed Jesus as your Savior, we implore you to do so today. Romans 10:9-10 tells us, *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation."*
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who stands at the threshold of a new challenge. Lord, You have already shown Your faithfulness in their academic journey, and we thank You for the victory of their defended title. Now, Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your supernatural peace as they prepare to engage with others for their research. Uproot every seed of fear, anxiety, and overthinking that the enemy has planted in their mind. Replace it with Your truth—that they are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves them (Romans 8:37).
Grant them the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You are with them. Soften the hearts of those they will interact with, Lord, so that they may be receptive and kind. Remind our brother/sister that their worth is found in You alone, not in the approval of man. Give them the words to speak, filled with grace and clarity, and let them see Your hand moving on their behalf.
We rebuke the spirit of fear and timidity in Jesus’ name. We declare that our brother/sister will walk in boldness, love, and self-discipline, trusting that You have already gone before them to prepare the way. Strengthen them, Lord, and let them experience Your presence so tangibly that anxiety flees and faith arises.
Finally, Father, if our brother/sister has not yet surrendered their life fully to Jesus, we pray that You would draw them to Yourself today. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior and the hope that is found in Christ alone. Let them know the power of praying in Jesus’ name and the security of being Your child.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Stand firm in the truth that God has called you to this work, and He will see it through. Each time fear rises, speak Scripture over yourself and declare that God has not given you a spirit of fear. You are His child, and He is your strength. Walk forward in obedience, one step at a time, and watch Him turn your anxiety into testimony. We are cheering you on and will continue to pray for you. God bless you abundantly!
