“Do not be afraid”

 Too often we use the excuse of fear to justify our unbelief. Remember what Jesus told Jairus when he got word that his daughter had died, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” (Mark 5:36 NRSV)

Even before Jesus told Jairus to only believe, he addressed his obvious fear.

The command to not fear is repeated several times in the bible because fear is a weapon that attacks our faith, and the resultant effect is unbelief. Fear is a breeding ground for unbelief, and is an invitation to the devil, who preys upon people’s fears by spewing intimidating suggestions.

Do not come into agreement with fear, instead surrender that fear to God through prayer and studying His Word. Remember, His Word is faith-infused, and He watches over His Word to perform it. (see Jeremiah 1:12)

Declare His Word over the situations and circumstances in your life, for faith is our foundation in God and when we allow fear to dominate, cracks begin to appear and our foundation is weakened; our relationship with God is weakened.

 Faith grabs hold of the invisible and makes it a reality. Remember, faith is the bridge upon which the spiritual crosses over into the physical, and when we use our faith, we activate all the power of heaven to enable that movement.

Beloved, what God has planned for you and for me, is beyond our imagination. Do not be afraid to pursue it, believe for it and step into it.

Painting by Lennox Robinson

Amen.

Shelley Johnson “Do not be afraid” © February 1, 2025