Overcoming Fear
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to move forward despite the fear. God does not promise to remove all scary situations from your life, but He promises something better: He promises to be with you through every single one of them.
Fear is a liar that whispers terrible scenarios about your future and magnifies your problems until they look like giants. But God reminds Joshua, and He reminds us, that His presence is the antidote to fear. You can be strong and courageous not because you are capable, but because God is with you. He is the ultimate safety net. When you shift your focus from the size of your problem to the size of your God, courage begins to rise in your heart. You are never walking into a situation alone.
I remember being absolutely terrified to step into a new ministry role that required public speaking. I felt unqualified and exposed, and the fear was overwhelming, paralyzing even. But God's call was clear. I clung to this verse in Joshua. Every time I stepped onto the stage, my knees knocked, but I whispered that You are with me. And every time, He showed up. Over time, the fear diminished, but the reliance on His presence remained.
What fear has been holding you back? Is it fear of failure or fear of man? Take one small step toward what God is calling you to do today, despite the fear. Do it afraid if you have to.
Lord, You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Help me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are always with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to move forward despite the fear. God does not promise to remove all scary situations from your life, but He promises something better: He promises to be with you through every single one of them.
Fear is a liar that whispers terrible scenarios about your future and magnifies your problems until they look like giants. But God reminds Joshua, and He reminds us, that His presence is the antidote to fear. You can be strong and courageous not because you are capable, but because God is with you. He is the ultimate safety net. When you shift your focus from the size of your problem to the size of your God, courage begins to rise in your heart. You are never walking into a situation alone.
I remember being absolutely terrified to step into a new ministry role that required public speaking. I felt unqualified and exposed, and the fear was overwhelming, paralyzing even. But God's call was clear. I clung to this verse in Joshua. Every time I stepped onto the stage, my knees knocked, but I whispered that You are with me. And every time, He showed up. Over time, the fear diminished, but the reliance on His presence remained.
What fear has been holding you back? Is it fear of failure or fear of man? Take one small step toward what God is calling you to do today, despite the fear. Do it afraid if you have to.
Lord, You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Help me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You are always with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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13 Comments
Thank you Pastor Ed for the reminder of how Adonai gave us that promise. He will never leave us or forsake us. That should compel us to love and worship him wholeheartedly.
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Amen!!
Thank you pastor ED
amén!
Straight from God right there. I received it as well. He has commanded us. Yes sir. I have good reason to be without fear just like it says there He will be with me wherever I go. And He is. Got to talk with someone last night out here in New Mexico. He believes in God but always had this thing blocking him from Christianity. It was like God led me straight to him. Love yall
These words filled my heart today. As I prepare to return to graduate school, at the age of 60, I am filled with self-doubt, anxiety, and a healthy fear of how the conventional classroom has evolved. My classroom is now a laptop and my fellow classmates will see me in a chat room. In my moments of panic, I force myself to remain calm and quiet, to hear His voice reassuring me and reminding me that He has gone before me. Thank you, Pastor Ed, for this reminder that the One who is in control has ordered our steps.
I went back at 54. It’s a breeze. You have nothing to worry about. With today’s technology it’s actually much more easier!
God has blessed us with you being here for us.
Thank you, Brother and for this message, it is right on time as me and my family are in the transition of taking a position at a orphanage in Hot Springs, Arkansas as full-time House, parents and stepping in faith and moving from everything that we know from Mississippi to Hot Springs, so this was exactly what we needed to hear. Love you, brother from your friends back in Mississippi.
AMEN!! Thank you, Pastor Ed!! Really needed this this morning.
Just what I needed. I just cried yesterday that I was afraid of my future after a job loss. I’ve never in my life experienced being unemployed. God is speaking and I will listen. Anyone know someone needing an accountant?
Thank you for the reminder to focus on God in the difficult times because He will bring me through