Without doubt, the greatest hindrance to our ability to step into our destiny is fear. Fear, which is rooted in unbelief, holds us back from the purposes of God. Unbelief thrives in a heart that is not in alignment with God’s nature, purpose, power, and presence. Because of this, every believer must confront unbelief and come face to face with fear. There is no way around it. To step into freedom, we need to deal with unbelief and fear—first within us and then around us.

Thankfully, our heavenly Father has given us everything we need to defeat fear (2 Tim. 1:7). These three gifts—power, love, and a sound mind—are the keys to saying no to fear in our lives.

1. The first key to overcoming fear is learning to walk in the power of God. When we face overwhelming circumstances, we can respond to them in one of three ways—we can run from them, we can ignore them, or we can face them. The first two options are rooted in fear. The third option, facing our circumstances, is the choice to step into God’s gift of power in our lives.

2. The second key to overcoming fear is love. According to the Bible, love is the antidote to fear (1 John 4:18). Love deals with the roots of fear. It disarms and dissipates it. This is true, first in our relationship with God, and, second, in our relationships with others. First, we allow God’s love to chase out the fear in our hearts—the fear that He will let us down or punish us when we fail, as well as the fear that others will hurt us. Second, through our experience of God’s love, we learn to fearlessly love others.

3. The third key to overcoming fear is cultivating a sound mind. A sound mind can be defined as “wisdom and understanding that leads to Kingdom lifestyle choices, habits, and mindsets.”  In other words, a sound mind is a mind that thinks according to Heaven’s perspective. The Bible promises that we have been given a sound mind, or the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This doesn’t happen overnight or by accident. Little by little, day by day, as we do the things that bring glory to Him, we will experience transformation in our minds (Phil. 4:8).

Fear can seem like an unbeatable opponent. It is one of the giants that overwhelms and sidelines most people. But fear doesn’t have to win. Love is all it takes to overcome any amount of fear (1 John 4:18). When we are made perfect in love—when we receive a full revelation of God’s love for us and what His love entails—we are freed from the grip of fear.

Take some time and think of areas where fear is holding you back. Then, ask the Holy Spirit what His strategy is for you to overcome these fears.