“Be Strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Chaplain George Metcalf once said to General George Patton, “courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Chaplain Metcalf may have touched on something very practical and very accurate.
Fear is real and very debilitating, and to ignore its reality is reckless. Nonetheless, for the follower of Jesus, fear is the opportunity to emphasize faith. How can we move from fear to faith? There are five resolves that will lead you successfully through such a necessary transition.
First, measure your daily steps of faith by God’s presence and not your own efforts. Faith is more than a noble attempt to be bold and strong. Faith focuses relentlessly on God’s presence and measures your steps by God’s presence with you. Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8) Joshua was given the task of a lifetime – succeeding Moses. God called Joshua to be bold and courageous based on one very powerful and clear fact: “The Lord will go before you and will be with you.” The size of your faith is always determined by how you embrace the fact of, “God with you.”
Second, walk according to the Holy Spirit. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) This statement expresses that we should walk (order our pattern of living) according to the Holy Spirit’s influence who resides in every believer. The Holy Spirit quickens the follower of Jesus to trust God every single day. The Holy spirit reminds you of the kingdom perspective Jesus taught (John 14:15-18) and becomes our helper and counselor (John 15:26). God has taken up residence in your life through His spirit that abides in you. Therefore, the Holy Spirit focuses you on the truth of Jesus and the counsel of God. The Holy Spirit internally fosters that divine boldness Moses spoke into Joshua’s life: God’s presence within you.
Third, do not be afraid but believe. A Synagogue official by the name of Jairus humbly fell at Jesus’ feet demonstrating a desperate plea for Jesus to heal his daughter who was critical ill. But before Jesus could arrive, word was sent to Jairus that his daughter had died. Jesus spoke directly to Jairus and said, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” (Mark 5:36). Jesus knew that the father’s heart immediately sank at the horrific news and immediately lost all hope. Jesus tenderly said in essence, “no need to choose fear.” There is another option – one of divine origin. Today, God desires that we hear these words: there is another option to fear and anxiousness – an option that comes straight from the heart of God. Jesus said to Jairus, “do not fear, only believe.” This is how we know that the opposite of fear is not courage, but belief. If we face our fears by trusting in Jesus, the courage will come and will be of a divine nature and not of human imitation.
Fourth, be watchful. As Paul closed his letter to the church at Corinth, he offered a summary statement that resonated a tone comparable to military orders. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (I Cor 16:13) Of these four imperatives in the Greek language, the first seems to set the tone: “be on your guard.” This word is very intensive and reveals the seriousness of the other commands. “To be on your guard” represents one who is very watchful. Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to be on guard against evil thoughts, doubts, and fears that can distract faith. So, today we are called to be watchful of the enemy’s attack of fear and doubt which can easily creep into our thoughts and reasonings. Be on your guard, and do not let the enemy tempt you with fear.
Fifth, depend fully upon the power of God. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10) The key to understanding the importance of this verse is the phrase, “of His might.” God’s might represents the capability of His entire being: His omniscience (He is all knowing), His omnipresence (He is ever present), and His omnipotence (He is all powerful). Focus on His nature. How amazing is His might! God can indeed be trusted. So, today be strong “in His might.” Do not under any circumstance rely on your own strength. Daily resolve to trust in His.
So, we have these 5 resolves. Work through each one daily and prayerfully until you are absolutely certain that you are walking in courage and not in fear. Admitting fear is not the challenge. The real challenge is, “when I am afraid, I will trust in Him.” (Psalm 56:3) Walk by faith in our God like never before and watch as His courage envelops your life and destroys your fears. Be strong!
Blessings,
Ken
