Fear, Faith, and Courage

How many times in your life have you been told, Don’t be afraid? I have no idea how many times I’ve heard it. But, I do know that the value of the advice was entirely dependent upon the quality of the source. What do I mean by that? Fear, faith, and courage are inextricably intertwined. And, fear isn’t something you can simply stop feeling upon request. Anyone can tell you not to be afraid or worried, but few people can reassure you enough to give those words power. If the person admonishing you does not have a thorough understanding of the situation, will not remain there to support you in your venture, or is trying to quiet your concerns, there is no reason to trust their advice.

Courage Is Born Of Fear

You cannot be courageous if you haven’t been afraid. Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to press on through fear. Do it scared.

Faith Quiets Fear

Faith quiets fear with assurance. The assurance can be in your own abilities. It could also be in another person. Faith also comes from God. Faith is knowing that, while something may be difficult or scary, there are tools, talents, or treasured supporters who will help you in your struggles.

Facing Our Fears

Throughout the bible, there are stories of people who are afraid. Sometimes God intervenes. Other times God allows someone else to do the difficult thing for the person who is afraid. And, still other times, He required the person to show courage by having faith in Him. But, whether walking into enemy territory, confronting the person trying to destroy you, or making a promise that only God can fulfill – we see time and again that God is faithful. He protects his people, He gives them the fortitude to stand against the powerful, and He fulfills those promises we have made on His behalf.

Quality Sourcing

So, when we read in the Bible that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, we can trust that this is true. We can rely on God to provide the power, the love, and the wisdom to do as He asks because we trust the quality of the source.

40-Day Challenge: Day 10 Reading

1 Kings 18

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.