DAILY COGNISANCE :
The Spirit of Fear vs. The Sound MIND-
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
In the heart of our vibrant and striving modern African communities, the shadow of fear can often loom large. It whispers doubts in the marketplace, fuels anxieties in our homes, and seeks to paralyze our God-given potential. Yet, the word of God in 2 Timothy 1:7 offers a divine antidote. This is not a mere suggestion but a declaration of our spiritual reality. To obey it is to unlock a life of courage, compassion, and clarity, proving that God’s word is the ultimate guide to a victorious life.
Drama Message: Setting: A small, modern apartment in a bustling city like Lagos. NGOZI, a young, talented fashion designer, is surrounded by beautiful sketches, but she is on the phone, her voice trembling. Her friend, CHIAMAKA, sits on a nearby stool, observing with concern.
(The scene opens with Ngozi pacing anxiously, her phone pressed to her ear.)
Ngozi: (Into the phone) Yes, Mama… I understand… No, I haven’t forgotten what happened to Uncle Ben’s business… Yes, the economy is bad… I know, Mama… Okay. I will think about it. (She hangs up, her face a mask of distress).
Chiamaka: Your mother again? Let me guess. She wants you to abandon this fashion business and take that bank job.
Ngozi: (Sinks onto a chair) She’s just scared for me. She said she had a bad dream. She’s worried people are jealous of my talent, that someone might use ‘juju’ to spoil my work. She reminded me of how Uncle Ben lost everything overnight.
Chiamaka: So, because of a bad dream and a story from ten years ago, you are going to pack up all this? (She gestures to the stunning designs). Ngozi, look at me. Every time you are about to take a bold step, this fear creeps in.
Ngozi: It feels so real, Chi-Chi. The ‘what ifs’ are screaming in my head. What if I fail? What if Mama is right? What if I invest all my savings and lose it all? My mind is not at rest.
Chiamaka: (Stands up and walks over to her, speaking with gentle authority) Because you are listening to the wrong spirit. The Bible is clear. (She picks up Ngozi’s Bible from a side table and opens it). 2 Timothy 1, verse 7. Let’s read it together. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”
Ngozi: (Whispering the words with her) “…but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Chiamaka: Exactly. The confusion and anxiety you feel, that is not from God. That is a spirit of fear. It paralyzes you. But God has given you a spirit of power – power to create, to build, to succeed. He has given you a spirit of love – which casts out fear and allows you to encourage yourself, even when your own mother is afraid. And most importantly right now, He has given you a sound mind.
Ngozi: A sound mind…
Chiamaka: Yes. A mind that is calm, disciplined, and able to make wise decisions, not one scattered by nightmares and superstition. Obeying God’s word means choosing to operate in that spirit of power and sound judgment, not neglecting it for the whispers of fear. So, are you going to make your decision based on fear, or based on the sound mind God has given you?
(Ngozi looks at her sketches, then at the Bible in Chiamaka’s hand. A slow change comes over her face, the anxiety beginning to recede, replaced by a flicker of determination.)
Ngozi: (Takes a deep breath and stands up) I’m going to call the event organizers for the fashion week. I need to book my slot.
(Chiamaka beams, handing the Bible to Ngozi. Ngozi clutches it like a shield, her posture now confident and assured.)
Ngozi: God did not give me a spirit of fear. I will not let it rule my life.
[End of Scene]
Wednesday June 18th, 2025.
For feedback: dailycognisance@livenewlife.org