Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s Just a Thought Comes from Isaiah 41:10.

“Do not be afraid!” The Bible uses this phrase 81 times from Genesis to Revelations, from Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah and David to Mary, Joseph, Paul and Peter.

God’s use of these words are always in the context of encouraging those people to either take the first step in a challenge or to encourage them to keep going when they felt discouraged.

It was always associated with action.

If we are to live this life from our first breath, or our first step, we can have the tendency to fear.What other words can be said to us but to not be afraid? God went on to say not to fear because he was with us. He never intended us to face fear alone, but always with him.

He knew our confidence in ourselves is not sustainable and we will falter many times throughout the journey of life.If we take any step at all in life, fear will be right there — and so will God.

We will gain confidence only to lose it as we embark on a new journey, task or challenge. It is inevitable. But not being stopped in our fear is always available when we seek God. One hundred percent of the time, God is there. As he says, he will never leave us or forsake us.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As leaders, we have the ability to not only seek our own strengths to break through our fears, all while knowing that every person that we lead faces the same fears as we do. We can comfort them as we have been comforted. Reminding them to not be afraid, you will walk through the challenge with them.

For that to be meaningful, they will have to experience you fulfilling on your promise.

Each time you don't show up for them they lose faith in you and in the words, “Do not be afraid.”

Facing fear was never intended to be done by one’s self. It was always intended to do together.

Just a thought …

#justathought