Be Strong and Courageous Part 2

A couple of weeks ago I talked about God’s command to “be strong and courageous”.  This week I want to talk more about what fear is and how we can stand against it.   

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

So what are people fighting against? Are we fighting against people or against the evil forces in this world? Fear is one of these “mighty powers”.  It leads us to turn from the good things God has for us and turn towards a cycle of destruction and chaos. It leads us to reject, fight, or hate people who are broken.

Imagine the power we can bring if we pray for those people instead.

Let’s pray against the spirits of destruction, terror, fear, and death that has consumed people rather than hating people that can’t see past their own fears.

Let’s pray for them to experience God’s love and show them his love in spite of their actions. Isn’t that what Jesus commands in Matthew 5:44?!

Fear is a tool used by Satan to “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). When we let it control us we are going directly against God’s purposes for us.

In John 10 he says his purpose “is to give them [his sheep] a rich and satisfying life”. 

What are you missing out on because you are allowing fear to control you?!

We must be aware of our fears first in order to fight against them. Be honest about what keeps you from following the Lord.  Being aware of the lies I hear makes it easier to reject them. They are always based on a deeper rooted fear. Simply confessing my fears gives them less power over me.

Praying against them is the next step. When we step out in faith and trust that God loves us, we glorify him. After repeatedly acting out of trust in God rather than out of fear, those fears begin to have a lot less power! Abiding in his perfect love expels fear!

So do you have the courage to face fear? Is your fear bigger than God’s faithfulness? Do you have the courage to trust in your Father who holds all the power in the world?

We must lean on God to face fear and move forward in spite of fear.  Isn’t that what courage is?

Our connection to our Father is our most powerful tool against the enemy. 

So be strong and courageous because the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He WILL NOT fail you or abandon you.

The Lord is with you.