That's Called Fear

When was the last time you acted bravely?

Don’t think back to the time you conquered your fear of heights, or chose to actually take on a dare while playing Truth or Dare. Those opportunities and moments are certainly something to think back on and smile, maybe laugh, or share with the next generation.

But God has called us to something bigger. Heights and dares are small potatoes for most of us when we really feel God’s call to bravery.

Like that one time, when something was going on around you, maybe between friends and the words – God’s words – were on the tip of your tongue, but you just couldn’t bring yourself to say them?

That’s called fear.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Fear is the very opposite of bravery. It’s what hinders us – holds us back.

As we walk into the world, we’re supposed to carry with us this incredible message. It’s a peace offering, and it’s a new lifestyle. And we’re supposed to live it out.

There’s this old phrase, I’m sure you know it. “Don’t just talk the talk, you have to walk the talk.” But in this world we live it – where everything has to be politically correct, I think we’ve being coerced into dropping the talk altogether. We’re afraid. Sometimes it’s easier to simply walk and never say a word.

Oh, sweetheart. Bravery is hard - and in fact, it's countercultural. BUT

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18 ESV

THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE. And if you’ve accepted the gift of amazing grace (it’s a love gift) then God lives in you – and you can do all things through Christ who gives you His strength (Philippians 4:13). He will never abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Every time you feel the Spirit compelling you to speak or act – take a deep breath and remember you’re not alone. You’re not acting by your own strength – because by yourself, it’s impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

YOU MAKE ME BRAVE

Bethel - Amanda Cook

I stand before You now

The greatness of your renown

I have heard of the majesty and wonder of you

King of Heaven, in humility, I bow

As Your love, in wave after wave

Crashes over me, crashes over me

For You are for us

You are not against us

Champion of Heaven

You made a way for all to enter in

I have heard You calling my name

I have heard the song of love that You sing

So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore

Into Your grace

Your grace

You make me brave

You make me brave

You call me out beyond the shore into the waves

You make me brave

You make me brave

No fear can hinder now the love that made a way

BRAVE

Moriah Peters

No one ever told me

This would be easy

But I never knew

That it could be this hard

Oh the worry the worry the worry

Is weighing on me

Could you help me break down

All these question marks

And make me Brave

I know I know I'm no superwoman

But impossible is possible with You

So no, no, no more running, no more hiding

Strike the fire so I'll be fearless too

And make me

Brave

Fight like a soldier

Brave

Rise like a warrior

Brave

Won't stop till the final day

Brave

I want to be stronger

Brave

Gonna be bolder

Brave

Look up and I see the way

You make me brave

None go with me

Still I'll follow

Through the joy

And through the sorrow

Cross before me

World behind me

There's no turning back