The Lord tells us multiple times in the bible not to be afraid. According to google, the phrase “fear not” appears about 71 times in the bible while “do not be afraid” appears about 48 times. So, I think it’s safe to say that God knew/knows fear will be an issue for believers. But here’s the deal, just because fear shows up doesn’t mean it has to take over. Let me draw your attention to someone whose story in the bible (in my opinion) is often overlooked…Gideon.

When we first find Gideon in Judges chapter 6, he’s hiding from his oppressors. Not exactly the picture of bravery, right? Yet in that very moment, the angel of the Lord calls him “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:11-12). Imagine someone calling you strong man/woman when you are at your lowest and weakest point. But long story short, (and I highly recommend you read Judges chapters 6-8) the Lord asks Gideon to do several things and one of those things was to destroy the altar his family used to worship their false gods. Obviously, Gideon was afraid to do this and for good reason but guess what…he chose to obey the Lord.

“So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it at night.” ~ Judges 6:27 (ESV). Gideon went on to continue obeying the Lord even he was afraid. He trusted God enough to still obey Him when he was afraid.

Fear will always try to linger at the edge of your faith. But you don’t have to shrink back. You can stand firm, trust God, and move forward anyway. “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” ~ Hebrews 10:39 (ESV).

So, the next time fear tries to hold you back, remember Gideon and remember what God called him before he ever proved it: Mighty warrior. You don’t have to wait until you feel fearless to act in faith. Do it afraid. Grace and peace 🙂