No Fear: Standing Strong and Courageous

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Do you know that when we stand before the Lord, it won’t be about what everyone else did or didn’t do. It won’t be about what everyone else believed or didn’t believe. It will be about your faith in God’s word and your trust in His son Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that God has given each of us a measure of faith–the ability to learn and trust and put faith in God’s word. We live in a world that has been overtaken by sin. God has His people scattered everyone. Through the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within each believer in Christ, He’s equipped each of us to be a beacon of light and the sound of His voice–of His love and promises to the defiled world around us. Yet because it’s a severely defiled world, it’s going to take courage to be who He’s called you to be. Even courage is something we draw from God by faith.

When Moses announced to God’s people that Joshua would take over his role as leader of the people, He said to Joshua, repeatedly, “Be strong and of good courage…” (Deuteronomy 31:23.) Do you think those words were only for Joshua? They were not. Those were words for every believer of Christ. It’s what every believer needs to walk out his/her God-given role and calling in Christ. And so… He’s speaking those words to you today. And you know why! “Be strong and of good courage…”

God wants you to have great faith in Him. He does so that you can overcome the same fears everyone else is triggered by. And this is exactly what you’ll read about again and again when you read you Bible. The Lord wants us to learn to fight the good fight of faith.

In 2 Kings chapter 19 we read the story of an evil report designed to strike fear in the heart’s of King Hezekiah and God’s people. King Sennacherib was the vilest of kings. He sent messengers to God’s people declaring that He and his army were coming to destroy them. This evil report was purposely sent to trigger a chill down the backs of God’s people and King Hezekiah. Remember the words I shared with you my last post? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV. Satan was roaring at Hezekiah and the people, striking terror in their hearts. It is an ongoing tactic of the enemy and one he has used over and over again. He brings an evil report with the intention of getting them to repeat and talk about it so that it will gain momentum. The enemy’s desire is to deeply plant a report that robs all hope and faith. It was at that time that the prophet Isaiah spoke to King Hezekiah and his people saying, “This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard…” (2 Kings 19:6)

In Mark 4:15 NIV, the Bible again exposes that tactic of the devil. It says, “Satan comes immediately and takes the Word (of faith) that was sown in their hearts.” This is one of the ways Satan does that. He tries to fill our heart with cares and anxiety. Whether an evil or bad report, or the cares of life, the enemy is trying to rob us of our faith. Yet, the entire Bible is written to encourage (to build courage) in us to have faith. And then the Holy Spirit speaks to us from within, reminding us of Jesus’ words. “With men this impossible but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NKJV)

When Hezekiah heard the bad report, he did what God wants us to do–keep our mouths shut. Don’t spread the evil report but instead, pray! When King Hezekiah did that and told the people to also, he heard from the Spirit of God. Even though the enemy’s army was advancing on them, God spoke the words, “Do not be afraid of what you have heard…” He then supernaturally protected and delivered them from destruction. The story is amazing!

God deeply loves us. Like a good father, He wants us to be strong and have courage and learn to trample our fears with the promises of faith. This is not something someone else’s prayers can do for you! You must learn how to walk out those powerful words the Apostle Paul spoke to his co-laborer and friend Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV) “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Do you know what the good confession was? It was professing God’s promises! It’s what we see the author of Psalm 91 do as we read in verses 5-7 (NLT2) “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” And so today… Be strong and have good courage. Have faith in our loving, intimate God and Heavenly Father. He loves and cares for you!

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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