Mission Venture Ministries

We need to understand that fear discourage us. If we want to be strong and courageous, we must abide under the shelter of the Most High as Psalm 91 describes, and follow God’s will for our life. 

Psalm 31:24 tell us to “be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” 

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear and respect for the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26). Thus, one can see how fearing and respecting God should be encouraged. 

However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 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.” As we see, a spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God. 

It is interesting to note that in nearly every happening where God says “fear not,” there follows a reason to have courage, and that reason is God Himself, His nature and His perfect plans. God calms Abram’s fears after his battle with the kings of Sodom, the captivity of Lot and in his rescue, God says, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great” (Genesis 15:1). 

Then we see when Hagar was despairing for her life and that of her child in the wilderness, the angel of the Lord tells her, “Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is” (Genesis 21:17). 

And we also see God’s promise to Jacob, “but now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). In each occurrence, we see God commanding courage, not because it is natural for man to be brave and courageous, but because, when God is protecting and guiding us, we can have courage because we are confident in Him. 

In the New Testament, we see the angel of the Lord telling Mary to have the courage to face the proof of being pregnant with Jesus by the Holy Spirit, even though Joseph is not yet her husband. Again, the reason for her courage is that the almighty God controls all things: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30). 

The shepherds are also commanded to be of good cheer and have courage by the angel who brought good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10), and Zachariah was told not to fear, for his prayer had been heard (Luke 1:13). Each time the courage commanded is the result of understanding the foreknowledge and sovereignty of God, whose plans and purposes cannot be thwarted and whose mighty power makes every circumstance of life subservient to His will. 

The words strong and courageous have not changed but sadly have taken on completely different meanings in today’s world. Promoting and celebrating lifestyles that are contrary to Biblical truth is seen as brave and sophisticated. The media, politics, the rich and powerful pretended to be the voice of false strength and undisciplined life styles. The proclamation of self-love eradicates God’s perfect love. As we see, this is not courage at all as God’s Word ultimately outlines what bravery looks like. 

As Christians, what price are we willing to pay? As more and more of our freedoms erode, what will we do to fight against the many that are trying to silence us? Are we willing to be strong and courageous by standing on the Word of God, no matter what it costs us? 

We need to remember that fear will try to stop all of us. But when we look to the cross and the Word of God we will know what to do. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand” (Isaiah 41:10). 

Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that, “the heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it?” And Jesus said when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name as they observed His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew all people, and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind (John 2:23-25). 

It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be transformed into the strong and courageous people God created us to be. Courage without Christ doesn’t really exist because without His Spirit, we are dwelling in man-made security and hope. 

Lord, we pray you will help us be strong and courageous as we navigate these uncertain times. Please give us a discerning heart, so we can know how and when to take a stand in honoring You with our life. 

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