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Faith Over Fear

God tells us not to be discouraged and not to be afraid over and over in the Bible.

Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:6
John 14:27
Isaiah 43:1
Joshua 1:9
Isaiah 35:4
Mark 6:50
Deuteronomy 31:6
Isaiah 41:13-14
Mark 4:39-40
Revelation 1:17

This last few weeks, the phrase, "Faith over fear" has popped up all over the place. My friend, Sarah Hann talked about it a few weeks ago at small group, my sister posted a few friends and that phrase was on all of their shirts, random students in the hallway have that phrase on their shirts, and God's words to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid have been continuously on my mind.

This idea applies to everything we do.

In the midst of uncertainty, focus on the revealed will of God. Pray with his promises for protection and a plan full of hope for your life in your heart and mind and in your words.

In the midst of threats, take heart because God has already conquered sin and death which is bigger than any threat we might be facing. Also, remember God's promise to never leave you or forsake you and pray with that promise in your heart, mind, and words.

When you feel weak and the opposite of courageous, remember that God said, "Do not be discouraged." That means that, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose courage. As Sarah shared with us, when you feel afraid, worship. Pray, sing, read your Bible, write, doodle a picture of Jesus destroying your fears with a spear...

The words I'm writing are probably not new to anyone, but, as Pastor Tyler reminded us this morning, something can be simple and still be hard. The good news is, you don't even have to be afraid about whether or not you'll be able to cast your fears on Jesus! He's promised to give you peace. So pray and know that God's faithfulness is unlimited and, thankfully, not dependent on you or me.

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